Local News
At least 9 dead, 30 hospitalized after fire at Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River
FALL RIVER, MA – July 13, 2025 – A devastating five-alarm fire broke out late Sunday night at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility on Oliver Street, resulting in multiple fatalities and a significant number of injuries, including several first responders.
Fire crews responded to the scene just before 10:00 p.m., finding the facility engulfed in heavy flames and smoke, with numerous residents trapped inside.
The structure, which housed approximately 70 residents, quickly became a scene of chaos and urgent rescue efforts.
According to Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, several residents were pronounced dead at the scene, while many others were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to severe, including burn-related trauma.
Five firefighters were also injured during the response and taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
“This is an extremely difficult night for our city,” Chief Bacon said. “Our crews did everything possible to save lives under very dangerous conditions.”
In total, approximately 50 firefighters, including 30 off-duty personnel who were recalled under a General Alarm and Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) declaration, responded to the scene.
EMS task forces were also deployed, and local hospitals were placed on high alert to prepare for the influx of patients.
Mayor Paul Coogan praised the heroism of first responders: “These firefighters went in with everything they had. They fought hard to rescue those residents and get the injured out. Their bravery undoubtedly saved lives.”
An emergency reunification center has been established at the chapel of St. Anne’s Hospital for families seeking loved ones.
Families are being directed to enter through the emergency room entrance for assistance.
State and local fire investigators, along with code compliance officials, are now on scene working to determine the cause of the fire.
While the cause remains under investigation, Mayor Coogan confirmed that the building was equipped with a sprinkler system, though its functionality at the time of the fire is still being assessed.
This incident remains under active investigation.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Local News
Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson Dies After Fatal Fall During UTSA Football Pregame Demonstration at Alamodome in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson, a decorated U.S. Air Force service member who dedicated 15 years to military service, has died after falling from the rafters of the Alamodome during a pregame military rappelling demonstration on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
Patterson was participating in a demonstration ahead of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) football game against the U.S. Naval Academy when the fatal accident occurred. The event was part of UTSA’s annual “Salute to Armed Forces and Veterans” celebration, which recognizes military personnel and veterans.
According to reports, Patterson fell from a significant height above the football field. Initial accounts described the fall as approximately 150 to 170 feet, although the exact height has not been consistently confirmed in the information provided.
Emergency personnel rushed to Patterson’s aid on the field and administered medical treatment before transporting him to a nearby San Antonio hospital. He later died from his injuries.
The U.S. Air Force has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the fall.
Patterson was assigned to the 6th Combat Training Squadron, Detachment 2, at Joint Base San Antonio, where he served as a Tactical Air Control Party instructor.
In that role, he helped prepare military personnel for demanding missions involving coordination between ground forces and air support. His work contributed to the training of service members operating in complex and potentially dangerous environments.
Patterson was a native of Fort Stewart, Georgia, according to the information provided about his military background.
Throughout his 15-year career, he earned numerous military awards and commendations recognizing his service and performance.
One of Patterson’s most notable professional achievements came in 2022, when he was named Air Force Special Warfare Enlisted Instructor of the Year at the Headquarters Air Force level.
The recognition highlighted his work as an instructor and his contribution to preparing fellow service members for demanding military assignments.
His other reported decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Air and Space Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Army Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster.
These honors reflected a career dedicated to military service, professional development, and training others.
Brig. Gen. Scott C. Mills, commander of the 57th Wing, expressed condolences following Patterson’s death, emphasizing the impact of the loss on the military community.
According to the statements described in the supplied reports, Patterson’s service meant a great deal to the people who knew him and worked alongside him. Air Force leadership has also focused on supporting his family, loved ones, and fellow airmen following the tragedy.
His death has brought grief to those who served with him and to the wider military community that gathered for an event intended to honor service members.
Patterson was one of four military members participating in the pregame demonstration, which involved descending ropes from the stadium’s elevated rafters toward the football field.
The demonstration was scheduled as part of UTSA’s annual military appreciation celebration before the Roadrunners faced Navy. Patterson’s fall interrupted the event and prompted an emergency response.
The football game was briefly delayed following the accident before officials decided to continue.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not established a definitive cause for the fall in the information provided.
Patterson’s death is a devastating loss for his family, friends, colleagues, and fellow service members. Beyond the circumstances of the accident, his military career included 15 years of service, multiple commendations, and recognition for his work training other airmen.
As the investigation continues, his professional achievements and contributions to military training remain an important part of his legacy.
The Air Force is expected to provide further information as appropriate. For now, the military community is mourning a service member whose career was dedicated to helping prepare others for the challenges of military duty.