Fire claims four lives - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Fire claims four lives

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March 27, 2004

Cordele-- Fire fighters were called to the Cordele home shortly after midnight and at the time they didn't know four people were trapped inside by the smoke and flames. Later the lifeless bodies of a Cordele women and her three young grandchildren were discovered.

Family and friends offer their comfort to Angelil Ford. Ford's mother and her three children died in a house fire Friday night.

"For the situation, I'm holding up pretty well but that was my baby and that was my best friend," says Ford.

54 year old Mattie Ford was baby-sitting 9 year old Kristen, 3 year old Zion, 22 month old Morgan. Investigators believe the fire started sometime after 10 o'clock when Ford either fell asleep while cooking food or left the stove unattended.

The sleeping children and Ford died of smoke inhalation.

"They are in heaven with my mother because my mother was an angel," says Ford.

And now Angelil Ford and her father will hold on to the memories of Kristen a 3rd grader that loved to sing and Zion a shy little girl with beautiful eyes. Morgan  was about to celebrate her 2nd birthday and her mother who she's calls her best friend.

"They are with God now," says Ford.

A tragic loss of life that is testing the strength of this South Georgia family.

In just the last 10 days, 23 Georgians have died in fires. Since the start of the year, 60 people have died in fires in Georgia.

posted at 6:38PM by scott.hunter@walb.com