Asst. State Fire Marshal Jason Baltic investigates
the cause of death of a south Grantsville woman
The victim of a Grantsville house fire Friday has been identified as Goldie Arthur Richards, about 94.
Grantsville Police Chief J. D. Nicholson said the long-time resident of south Grantsville apparently tried to escape the fire that struck her four-room house on Hathaway Street.
"There are no indications of foul play," Nicholson said, indicating the woman likely died of smoke inhalation, wrapping a blanket around herself in a bathroom away from the flames.
"She might have been trying to get out a window," he said.
Asst. State Fire Marshal Jason D. Baltic was on-scene investigating the fire by 6 p.m., said Grantsville Fire Chief Craig Gherke.
It was the second time this week the fire marshal has been called to the county. There is an investigation of a fire that destroyed a hunting camp on Beech Road Tuesday evening.
Gherke, who is also a Calhoun deputy sheriff, and Chief Nicholson were the first to arrive, following a 911 report that someone might be in the burning house.
Gherke and Nicholson knocked through a door in an effort to search for a possible victim, but the interior of the house was described as "red hot."
While the house was fully engulfed on arrival, Grantsville firemen quickly brought the blaze under control.
Chief Nicholson said "It is a terrible end to this woman's life."
Chief Nicholson and Fire Marshal Baltic (left) conduct
investigation of fire scene on Hathaway Street (right)
Coroner Ed Messenger remained on scene until the Fire Marshal arrived, as did the Grantsville VFD and Calhoun EMS. The body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner's office.
Neighbors said the victim had returned to her house after her daily visit to Grantsville's senior citizens center. About two hours later flames were spotted coming from the house, and a call was made to 911 about 2:45 p.m.
Brenda McBride, asst. director of the senior center, said "Some of our staff said they gave her a hug when she left yesterday, telling her we'd see her Monday."
"She really enjoyed the center," McBride said, "And going to the Dollar General Store.
Neighbors said Richards was pretty much a loner, but was "a kind and gracious lady," who didn't like to burn her electric lights at night, using candles instead.
Her nearest relative is a son who lives in Ohio. Neighbors said he visited his mother a few weeks ago.
South side residents said Ms. Richards had likely lived in the same house since World War II.
The woman's death is among few fire fatalities in the county during the past 25 years, although firemen said there have been several close calls.
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