Fatal Christmas Eve fire

Support has been pouring in for an elderly couple and their two grandchildren made homeless Christmas Eve when fire destroyed their home in the Gumlog community of Franklin County, Georgia.

The blaze broke out Saturday morning at the home of David and Kaye Gearin on Buttercup Lane in the Gumlog Community.

According to Clayton Bryant, the Franklin County Coroner on duty, the home was occupied by a retired couple, David and Kaye Gearin, their two grandchildren, and a female guest when the fire started. The couple and two children, ages 6 & 7, were able to escape but the female guest died as a result of the fire.

The name of the woman has not been released pending verification of her identity and notification of family members.

Investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s office were called in and so far, the exact cause of the fire has not been determined.

According to Bryant, the home was completely destroyed, and the couple and two children lost everything but their car and what they were wearing when they escaped.

All four were taken to St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital for an evaluation immediately after the fire.

The Rev. Brandon Crunkleton is the pastor of Broad River Baptist Church and is spearheading an effort to help the family.

Anyone who would like to donate items or can help with housing is asked to contact Rev. Crunkleton at 706-491-0945.