The Bristol County DA Says It Incorrectly Declared a 10th Person Dead in Fall River Fire

The woman is alive, but in critical condition

Nine people died and more than 30 were injured in a fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Mass., on July 13, 2025.
Nine people died and more than 30 were injured in a fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Mass., on July 13, 2025.
Lindsey Poole / RIPBS
Share
Nine people died and more than 30 were injured in a fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Mass., on July 13, 2025.
Nine people died and more than 30 were injured in a fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Mass., on July 13, 2025.
Lindsey Poole / RIPBS
The Bristol County DA Says It Incorrectly Declared a 10th Person Dead in Fall River Fire
Copy

The Bristol County District Attorney’s office said Friday it had mistakenly announced that a 10th person had died in the fire at the Gabriel House assisted living facility in Fall River.

The DA’s office said yesterday that 66-year-old Brenda Cropper had died. But now, the DA said that the mistake was due to “a miscommunication with a medical agency.”

Cropper is still alive, the DA said, but she remains in critical condition.

Nine others died in the Gabriel House fire. An investigation into the fire’s cause is still ongoing, but Fall River Fire Department Chief Jeffrey Bacon said he believes it was accidental.

The DA’s office has not responded to multiple requests for comment from The Public’s Radio.

Officials project $38 million a year once tolling resumes, but spending obligations have outpaced revenue by millions
The Providence City Council is still one vote short of a supermajority that could override Mayor Brett Smiley’s expected veto. The policy would cap annual rent increases at 4% with exceptions for owner-occupants.
Mayor Ken Hopkins says a 7.4% tax increase is necessary to maintain city services and close the existing budget gap
Plus: the Rhode Island Black Film Festival, opening day at the drive-in and more
Rachel Miller says the council is poised to ‘make history’ with final approval Thursday
State Sen. Jessica de la Cruz is proposing a phased 10% income tax cut over five years, arguing the state’s core problem is spending, not revenue