Second Fayette fire victim identified by family
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A second victim of Tuesday’s fire at an individualized supported living facility in Fayette has been identified.
Three people were killed in the fire that engulfed the building on Villers Drive behind Perkins Residential Care Center on Main Street in Fayette on Tuesday morning. On Tuesday, the family of Marcia Lyon, 63, had identified her hours after the fire occurred. Lyon was an employee at the facility.
Donnie Bittle was identified on Wednesday as another victim in the fire by his niece Kayla More.
“He was full of life and laughter. He loved fishing and being around people. When he was younger, he was on the fire department. One of his favorite things in life. He had a laugh and smile that was contagious. He will be truly missed,” More said in a statement provided to ABC 17 News.
Bittle was part of Day Programs in Glasgow, which works with people with developmental disabilities.
Lyon’s daughter, Jenna Cassat, said her mother worked at the facility on weekends for roughly two decades while delivering mail in Columbia as her full-time job during the week. Cassat said Lyon loved helping people.
"She was always nice and caring and loved kids," Cassat told ABC 17 News. "She never met a stranger, loved being outside with the grandkids. She was always doing something for somebody."
ABC 17 News is still working to confirm the name of the third victim.
Mike O’Connell with the Missouri Department of Public Safety on Wednesday said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
O'Connell added the severity of the blaze and the extensive damage prevented investigators from making a factual determination at this time. However, investigators did observe several space heaters throughout the remains of the facility.
The individualized supported living facility that burned was located on the same property as Perkins Residential Care Center, which did not sustain any fire damage. ISL facilities are designed to help people with intellectual or developmental disabilities live independently or with others in a home-like setting.
According to the Missouri Department of Mental Health, the Perkins home had two bedrooms on each floor, with four people living there, two on each level. DMH said the displaced residents have since been moved to a new group home.
Fayette Co-Fire Chief Steven Morrow told ABC 17 News that six people were initially trapped inside the home.
Check back for updates.
