A tragic mobile home fire in Carteret County, North Carolina, has claimed the lives of two individuals, an elderly man and a teenager. The fire occurred late Thursday night on Merriman Road in the North River area. Emergency responders were called to the scene around 10:30 PM, with Beaufort Fire Department arriving first, followed by twelve additional fire and EMS crews to help extinguish the blaze.
Six people were in the mobile home when the fire broke out. The victims have been identified as 73-year-old James Creech and 14-year-old Ethan Pittman. In the wake of the devastating loss, Jennifer Blood, a family member, has set up a GoFundMe campaign to aid the surviving family members.
The remaining family members, currently staying in a hotel, are facing the immense challenge of rebuilding their lives. Blood’s GoFundMe page details that the funds raised will be used for memorial expenses for Ethan, housing, and necessities such as clothing and food. Blood also shared the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the family. She expressed the profound grief of her father, mourning the loss of his grandson, and her sister, who has lost her eldest child. Additionally, Blood’s brother, who sustained injuries while escaping the fire, is recovering but grappling with emotional trauma from the experience.
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, Blood expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and donations from the community. She emphasized that even small contributions make a difference. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Carteret County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office.
