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Wheelchair-Bound Woman Dies in Pennsylvania Houe Fire
RENIE WORKMAN
WNEP
State police are still investigating a fire that claimed the life of a Schuylkill County woman on Saturday. State police said Susan Drummer died after fire broke out at her family's home in Deer Lake.
Neighbors said Drummer was wheelchair bound and could not make it out of the home.
The house on Maple Boulevard in Deer Lake near Orwigsburg is boarded up after a deadly fire gutted the place on Saturday.
Neighbors are still trying to deal with the loss of their friend, 44-year-old Susan Drummer.
Judy Leestma brought over blankets knitted by church members to pass along to Susan's family.
"Because it will comfort them. Everybody is caring for them and praying for them," said neighbor Judy Leestma.
State police investigators said the fire started at the home just before 5:30 p.m. Crews from all over the area were called to help fight the flames. Witnesses said the fire was put out quickly, but Susan Drummer was found inside.
Larry Kozlowski and others tried to save her.
"It was like an absolute furnace inside. The doors were closed, the glass was intact yet but it was burning so intensely it was black, orange inside. We knew that Sue was in the house, but probably at that point it was probably already too late," said neighbor Larry Kozlowski.
Neighbors said Drummer had Multiple Sclerosis and was wheelchair bound, unable to get out of the house herself.
"She was always nice and friendly. She loved coming over in the yard and sitting by the koi pond," added Kozlowski. "It's such a strange thing thinking somebody that close is gone that quickly, especially at a young age."
Neighbors Ed and Nanette Ketrick have known Susan's family for more than 30 years and watched her grow up.
"You can never get over the loss of a child like that. A house can always be repaired, but the loss of a family, and it's a close-knit family," said Ed Ketrick.
"Beautiful girl, loved her family. It's very upsetting, it really is. Very upsetting and I feel so sorry. My heart goes out to the family," added Nanette Ketrick.
Neighbors said Susan's parents were at a family wedding when they heard about the fire.
State police have not yet released a cause.
Copyright © 2010, WNEP-TV
WNEP
State police are still investigating a fire that claimed the life of a Schuylkill County woman on Saturday. State police said Susan Drummer died after fire broke out at her family's home in Deer Lake.
The house on Maple Boulevard in Deer Lake near Orwigsburg is boarded up after a deadly fire gutted the place on Saturday.
Neighbors are still trying to deal with the loss of their friend, 44-year-old Susan Drummer.
Judy Leestma brought over blankets knitted by church members to pass along to Susan's family.
"Because it will comfort them. Everybody is caring for them and praying for them," said neighbor Judy Leestma.
State police investigators said the fire started at the home just before 5:30 p.m. Crews from all over the area were called to help fight the flames. Witnesses said the fire was put out quickly, but Susan Drummer was found inside.
Larry Kozlowski and others tried to save her.
"It was like an absolute furnace inside. The doors were closed, the glass was intact yet but it was burning so intensely it was black, orange inside. We knew that Sue was in the house, but probably at that point it was probably already too late," said neighbor Larry Kozlowski.
Neighbors said Drummer had Multiple Sclerosis and was wheelchair bound, unable to get out of the house herself.
"She was always nice and friendly. She loved coming over in the yard and sitting by the koi pond," added Kozlowski. "It's such a strange thing thinking somebody that close is gone that quickly, especially at a young age."
Neighbors Ed and Nanette Ketrick have known Susan's family for more than 30 years and watched her grow up.
"You can never get over the loss of a child like that. A house can always be repaired, but the loss of a family, and it's a close-knit family," said Ed Ketrick.
"Beautiful girl, loved her family. It's very upsetting, it really is. Very upsetting and I feel so sorry. My heart goes out to the family," added Nanette Ketrick.
Neighbors said Susan's parents were at a family wedding when they heard about the fire.
State police have not yet released a cause.
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