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Update: Cause of Fatal Andrews House Fire Determined

By: Jackie Smith
Updated: November 15, 2010
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We have some new information tonight about an Andrews house fire that killed a woman and her 4-year old grandson over the weekend.

It's a tragic event that has brought a close knit community even closer together.
   
The State Fire Marshals Office found that the fire started in the boys bedroom.

The boy is 4-year-old Brayden Vanzant and investigators found a metal shaft from a barbeque grill lighter in the frame of his mattress.

This fire also took the life of his great grandmother Edna Jones.

There story has the Andrews community at a loss for words.

"I kept hearing police officers coming down the road and I saw smoke coming from this area," said Patricia Thompson.

Patricia Thompson has lived in this neighborhood for 36 years but has never witnessed something this terrible.

"Soon as I get right hear I heard a big boom. It's real sad. A little boy lost his life in here. His great grandmother lost her life in here too," said Thompson.
 
It's sad and unfortunate. Fire investigators believe the boy was playing with a barbeque grill lighter right before flames erupted.

Now the house stands as a memorial site where people leave teddy bears and notes for the little boy and his grandmother.

"It was a big shock to hear. I'm just praying for them, that someway they can find some peace and help them to move on," said Randi Richardson.

Richardson is best friends with Mandi, the boys mother.

"I know Mandi must be going through a lot right now. I just couldn't imagine losing one of my kids and it feels like Braden and Awbrey are part..they are family to me. I was Aunt Randy, so it's really hard for all of this you know," said Richardson.

All she can do is embrace her long time friend, as she tries to pick up the pieces of her life.

"You know it could have been your house you never know. It could've been your house.  If there is anyone who knows this family....you know if they need the help...help them..just help them," said Thompson. 

Investigators say the grandmother and the little boy did not lose their lives because of the fire.

In fact, it was carbon monoxide poisoning.

The grandfather and the two year old girl were flown to Lubbock Hospital.

There is no word yet on how they are doing.

But neighbors and friends in the Andrews community will continue to support the family and help them get back on their feet.



Comments

VALORIE YOU MAY CONTACT ME TO DONATE BUT THERE IS ALSO A ACCOUNT SET UP AT NBA IN BOB VANZANT'S NAME. THE FAMILY LOST EVERYTHING SO ANYTHING THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE WILL HELP. THERE IS A LOT OF US PULLING TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THIS FAMILY GETS BACK ON THEIR FEET BUT BEING SO CLOSE TO THEM IT IS HARD. LORI AND I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS FOR MANY YEARS. I AM HELPING OUT WITH EVERYTHING SO IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME FEEL FREE TO DO SO. THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND THANKS TO THE TOWN OF ANDREWS FOR PULLING TOGETHER TO HELP THIS DEAR FAMILY. GRANDPA (CURTIS) AND AUBREY ARE DOING GREAT MEDICALLY IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. VALORIE CANTACT ME AT 432-631-7302

BRENDA H. November 16, 2010 at 2:20 pm



Does anyone know what this family might need as far as household items, clothing, coats, shoes, hygience items, food and so on.
I'm sure the Red Cross is helping with monetary help but I have a ton of items like I listed above and would love to donate any of the items they can use.
If anyone has information on where to donate I would appreciate it if you could let me know by posting the information here.
Thanks in advance,
Valorie

Valorie H. November 16, 2010 at 9:41 am

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