GWINNER, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) – In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the tight-knit community of Gwinner, North Dakota, is grappling with the loss of thirty-nine-year-old Denise Luttio-Mahar, who tragically lost her life in a devastating house fire early Sunday morning.
The harrowing incident unfolded around 4 a.m. when Mahar, amid billowing smoke, dialed 911, desperately seeking help as flames engulfed her residence. Responding swiftly to the distress call, fire crews raced to the scene, where they encountered a scene of chaos and despair. Amidst the chaos, Mahar was located and swiftly transported to Lisbon Hospital, but despite valiant efforts by medical personnel, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The somber toll of the blaze didn’t end there, as a beloved canine companion also perished in the inferno, serving as a stark reminder of the far-reaching devastation of the blaze. However, amidst the tragedy, a glimmer of hope emerged as a man residing on the first floor managed to escape the engulfing flames, leading two of his faithful canine companions to safety.
As the community reels from the shock of the incident, the state fire marshal’s office has launched a comprehensive investigation into the blaze’s origin and cause. Initial assessments suggest the fire ignited in the basement, though the exact circumstances surrounding the inferno remain shrouded in uncertainty.
The grim determination of the medical examiner pointed to smoke inhalation as the cause of Denise Luttio-Mahar’s untimely demise, further underscoring the devastating toll of the fire that ravaged her home.
As residents of Gwinner grapple with the profound loss of one of their own, an outpouring of support and solidarity has emerged, serving as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of tragedy. In the wake of this devastating event, the community stands united in mourning the loss of Denise Luttio-Mahar, a cherished member whose memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her.