The cause of the fire that killed four sisters Aug. 30 is still undetermined, according to a release from the sheriff’s office and fire marshal.
Kalani, Kendall, Josephina and Sophia Melvin died when fire ripped through the home where the family was staying on North Colony Road near Chadbourn. A deputy and Chadbourn Rescue team were on scene in minutes, but the home was already engulfed.
Neither the girls’ mother nor father were home. The father, Patrick Ellis was at work out of town at the time. Two 12 year old girls, including an older sister, escaped the fire.
A female caller contacted 911 at approximately 2:30 a.m. to report the fire, the sheriff’s office said.
A joint release by the sheriff’s office and fire marshal today (Tuesday) said the cause of the fire is unknown, but it does not appear to have been intentional.
“Following an in-depth investigation conducted by the Columbus County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the cause of the fire that occurred at 259 North Colony Road remains officially undetermined,” the press release said.
“Despite an extensive scene examination and investigative efforts, no conclusive source of ignition has been identified. However, investigators have found no evidence to suggest that the fire was started intentionally.”
Two services are scheduled to eulogize the girls, who were ages 2, 4, 6, and 7.
The first memorial service is today at 5 p.m. at Worthington Funeral Home, 405 E. Strawberry Blvd., Chadbourn. A celebration of life will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Worley Mortuary, 200 Sandy. St., Fairmont.
Through a family spokesperson, Ellis thanked the community for their support during the tragedy.
“My heart is shattered beyond words at the loss of my daughters,” he said. “Kalani, Kendall, Josie, and Sophia were my joy, my light, and my purpose. Our family has been overwhelmed by the love, prayers, and support from this community during the hardest time of our lives. We ask you to join us in celebrating their laughter, their innocence, and the precious memories they leave behind.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the GoFundMe established to support Patrick Ellis and his family: www.gofundme.com/f/kalani-melvin-kendall-melvin-josie-melvin-sophia-melvin.
The fire was the deadliest in more than a century in Columbus County.
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