A funeral was held last night, Thursday, Dec. 17, for four victims found at the fire that occurred in Williamsburg last week. One-year-old Haiken Jirachi Myers, three-year-old Aarikyle Nova Myers, six-year-old Riley James Bumgarner and seven-year-old Shaun Dawson Bumgarner were interred by the Morgan Funeral Home in Lewisburg.
The fire broke out at a residence on Flynn’s Creek Road on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 8. In all, the lives of six people were claimed by the events of that day. The body of Oreanna Antoinette Myers, 25, of the Williamsburg area, was found on the ground outside the residence. A sixth victim, identified as a four-year-old child, was discovered near the other four children inside the home. Myers was the biological mother of both Haiken and Aarikyle.
A statement released by Greenbrier County Sheriff Bruce Sloan on Dec. 9 stated, “Investigators have developed a timeline and sequence of events leading up to the deaths. The investigation is continuing as evidence at the scene is being examined and processed. Specific details of the investigation, including the manner and cause of death, will not be released pending confirmation by the State Medical Examiner.”
Two days later, on Dec. 11, the West Virginia Daily News had the opportunity to speak with Sheriff Sloan.
“This is far from being concluded,” Sloan said. “As with any investigation, we explore all the possibilities. But with this we’re still talking to some people and conducting interviews. And there’s some tests being done, the result of which I imagine we’ll be waiting on for a little while yet.”
And still waiting, they are. It took rescue workers nearly two days to locate the fifth child in the chaos and destruction left behind by the fire. Investigator’s from the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s office were on the scene shortly after the fire was reported. The investigation as to the cause of the deadly blaze continues.
A candlelight vigil was held to honor the memories of the victims on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at the State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg. A second candlelight vigil will be held tonight, Friday, December 18, at the Williamsburg Community Field in Williamsburg. The vigil will begin at 6 p.m.
The West Virginia Daily News and West Virginian will provide updates on this developing situation as additional details are made available.
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