Downtown fire claims life; smoking listed as cause
NEW CASTLE – A New Castle woman died as the result of a Sept. 13 fire in her second-floor apartment, which investigators believe was caused by a cigarette.
Friends are remembering Bonnie Williams as a thoughtful woman who was known for her chocolate fudge brownies.
Craig-New Castle Volunteer Fire Department firefighters keep flames from spreading to other buildings after the Sept. 13 fire that claimed one life.
Williams, 62, died at the University of Virginia Medical Center on Sept. 14 with family by her side.
Virginia State Police Special Agent Garland Snead said Williams apparently was smoking while lying on the sofa watching television. His investigation showed burn patterns indicating she dropped the cigarette which ignited the blanket and the sofa, Snead said, filling the room with smoke.
Williams was a regular at Wednesday morning Bible study at the New Castle Commons, residence manager Gwen Johnson said, and did some work at that residence for senior citizens.
“She was a conscientious worker who never missed a day unless she was really sick and even then she would call,” Johnson said.
“Bonnie was always baking something good and would bring it down and leave it in the kitchen for us whenever she visited,” Johnson added.
According to bystanders, smoke from the apartment over Charlton Real Estate on Main Street was noticed mid-afternoon. Craig County-New Castle Fire volunteers responded, and kept the fire from spreading to other buildings.
“We were lucky, real lucky,” said Lt. Calin Crush, officer in charge. He said initially eight firefighters responded to the mid-afternoon fire. Others arrived to help in case they were needed.
Because of the severity of her burns, Williams was airlifted by Lifeguard 10 to UVA in Charlottesville instead of Carilion Roanoke trauma center where the helicopter is based.
Donations to help with funeral costs are being accepted at Paitsel Funeral Home in New Castle where Williams’ memorial service was held on Sept. 17.
The building where Williams lived is owned by Adam Gentry.
