Husband and Wife Killed in Fire Christmas Eve
posted 4:38 pm Mon December 24, 2007 - Washington
Neighbors identified the victims as 88-year-old George O'Keefe and his 80-year-old wife, Gisela. They were remembered as a kind-hearted couple who was always willing to help. "George was a great guy," said neighbor Pat Morrison. "He'd do anything for you. He needed help of any kind he'd help you. If you needed anything, George was there."
Morrison said O'Keefe was a Marine veteran who had fought in the battle of Iwo Jima. George was found dead on the first floor of the house. Firefighters found his wife on teh second floor suffering from cardiac arrest. She was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Neighbors say she had trouble getting around.
"It's the most saddest thing because she's semi-crippled arthritic person," said neighbor Victoria Maffioli. "She can hardly walk."
Fire department spokesman Alan Etter said the fire at the two-story house in the 3100 block of Oliver Street, Northwest, started in the basement. Investigators say they did not find any active smoke detectors in the home.
Latest Comment on Husband and Wife Killed in Fire Christmas Eve
Pachacutec
7:42 am on 12/26/07
This is a truly heartbreaking story on several counts; a couple that's lived together for so many years, dying in a fire during the holiday season. Really, really sad. And even sadder in that this tragedy possibly could've been prevented if they'd had working smoke detectors in the home.
With people using candles, space heaters, fireplaces, etc., this is a busy time of year for firefighters. Please, everyone, be careful when using heat/flame, and make sure your home has WORKING smoke detectors. Local fire stations give smoke detectors away, so there's no excuse not to have them. We don't need any more stories like this one - please, everyone, be careful.
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