'Miscommunication with a medical agency': DA issues Fall River fire death toll correction
The DA's office initially reported on Thursday, July 17, that she had died the previous day from injuries suffered in the Gabriel House fire in Fall River. They issued a correction on Friday morning, saying the report of the death "was due to a miscommunication with a medical agency."
"Please be advised that due to a miscommunication with a medical agency, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office reported the passing of Brenda Cropper as a result of the Gabriel Assisted Living Center Fire," reads the full statement from the DA's office that was distributed at 11:16 a.m. Friday. "Ms. Cropper remains in critical condition at this time. The BCDAO has been in contact with Ms. Cropper's family regarding this matter. We will provide updates when they become available."
The investigation into the fire's origin and cause continues, by the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Section assigned to the State Fire Marshall's Office, the Fall River Fire and Police Departments, in conjunction with State Troopers assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.
The Gabriel House residents who have died include: Rui Albernaz, 64; Ronald Codega, 61; Margaret Duddy, 69; Robert King, 78; Kim Mackin, 71; Richard Rochon, 78; Eleanor Willett, 86; and Joseph Wilansky, 77.
The DA's office has not yet publicly identified a 70-year-old woman who died in the fire.
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Bristol DA issues correction on status of Fall River fire victim
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