31-05-2025
Boy who died in mobile home fire attended Olympia High School, principal announces
A 17-year-old boy who died in a mobile home fire Tuesday morning attended Olympia High School, the principal announced in a message to families Friday afternoon.
Niland Woods and his half-sister, Emerson Smith, 10, who also was known as 'Emma,' died in an overnight fire at the Edgelake Mobile Home Park in Lacey, which is located between Chambers Lake and the Chehalis Western Trail.
'It is with deep sadness that I share that Niland Woods, an eleventh-grade student at Olympia High School, tragically passed away early Tuesday morning, May 27,' Principal Matt Grant said in his message.
'Niland was a thoughtful and engaged student, and he will be missed by many in our school community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who knew and cared about him.
'Our counseling team and support staff will be available to students when they return to campus. We encourage you to check in with your student and reach out to our school counselors if your student needs additional support.
'We've put together a list of Critical Response Community Resources to support families as they navigate grief and loss. You are welcome to share this information with your family as you feel appropriate.
'Thank you for taking care of yourselves and one another during this difficult time.'
Woods and Smith died in the fire, but their mother Sarah Bullington, managed to escape the blaze. A Go Fund Me campaign has been launched to help her.
The boy and girl died as a result of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock said Friday.
