10th victim of Fall River fire identified

The 10th victim in the devastating Fall River fire on July 13 was identified on Monday, the local district attorney announced. 

Halina Lawler, 70, was identified by Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III as the remaining deceased victim from the fire at Gabriel Assisted Living Facility. 

The fire claimed the lives of 10 people, all of whom have now been publicly identified. 

Lawler’s identification comes after the DA initially incorrectly reported on July 17 that Brenda Cropper, 66, was the 10th victim after a “miscommunication” with a medical agency. Cropper was hospitalized following the blaze, but succumbed to her injuries July 18, officials ultimately said.

Lawler’s identity was initially withheld from the public until her family was notified, officials said, bringing the total number of identified victims to 10.

The investigation of the fire is active and continuing by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and State Police alongside Fall River Fire and Police Departments, officials said.