Funeral services are scheduled today for Autumn Wade, the 22-year old woman who died after being burned in a flash fire in her home in Cleveland. Wade passed away Friday in the burn unit at Grady Memorial Hospital.
The maintenance worker at the mobile home park where she lived has been charged with reckless conduct in connection with the fire that broke out on November 3.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office says 47-year old Robert Gaddis of Cleveland turned himself into authorities on Friday. The state took out a warrant on Gaddis after the investigation revealed the fire was caused by fumes from an open gas line ignited by the pilot light on the stove.
According to Public Information Officer Laura Wright, “The heater had been disconnected and no cap or gas valve was on the gas line.” She says it will be up to local law enforcement to determine whether to file additional charges in the wake of Wade’s death.
“…fire everywhere”
Gaddis was among the first on the scene when the fire broke out on November 3. He told WRWH Radio he was nearby and heard the victim scream. He said when he got to her she told him her home was on fire, so he went inside the mobile home. “It was just fire everywhere, little spot here and little spot there. I put most of it out with my foot and the rest of it I put it out with my hand,” Gaddis said.
Wade suffered burns over 97% her body. Her family and friends are now calling for change at the Taylor Mobile Home Park on Purple Star Lane in Cleveland where Wade lived.
READ: Fire Victim’s Funeral Set, Calls for Action Following the Death
Victim was from Habersham County
Autumn Wade is the daughter of Kevin and Amanda Wade of Alto. She was a 2013 graduate of Habersham Central High School and had just recently become engaged. Her funeral is scheduled for 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 10 at Whitfield Funeral Home in Baldwin.
Several funds have been set up to help the Wade family with funeral expenses. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:
The Autumn Gail Wade Memorial Fund
C/O of Kevin Wade
237 Underwood Rd.
Alto, GA 30510.
Donations may also be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/488gpkzg.
