House fire kills two teens in Coventry Twp.

Those who mourned the loss of two high school students who died following a house fire Oct. 30 in Coventry Township began making a memorial the same day in the yard outside the home.

PHOTOS BY CHRISTINA McCUNE | BGNN

 

BGNN staff report 

COVENTRY TWP.  Two teens died at a local hospital Wednesday after fire broke out at a home overnight in Coventry Township, according to a news release from the Coventry Township Fire Department. 

The township fire department responded to a fire at 657 Cove Blvd. where the single-family residential building was found to be engulfed in flames. 

At approximately 3 a.m. Wednesday, a resident of the home awoke to smoke and flames inside the residence and was able to escape and call 911 for help. At that time, two juveniles were reported still trapped inside the burning residence, the release states.

Firefighters from the cities of Green, Barberton, and Akron; the Villages of Lakemore and Mogadore, Springfield Township and Uniontown Fire Department also responded, as well as the Summit County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arriving first on scene were met by heavy fire, heat and smoke making entry to the structure nearly impossible. Two deputies were evaluated for smoke inhalation, after victims were transported, the release states.

First arriving fire crews from Coventry, New Franklin and Springfield Township were involved in extrication of the two juvenile victims who were found in a back bedroom on the first floor and the upstairs hallway. They were transported to Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron- Burn Unit where they succumbed to their injuries, the release states.

A release from the Summit County Medical Examiner’s office identified the two teenagers: Abigayle Mates, 17, and Adrian Mates-Mata, 15.

A post by Coventry Local Schools Superintendent George Fisk on the school district’s website was addressed to Coventry families and stated: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic news that two of our beloved Comets lost their lives in a house fire overnight. This devastating loss has touched our entire school community, and our hearts are with the families and friends of these students during this difficult time.

“Our primary focus is supporting our students, staff, and families as we all cope with this heartbreaking loss,” the post continues. “Counselors and mental health support services are currently working to provide care for those students struggling during this time. We encourage everyone to lean on each other and seek support as needed. Our community’s resilience will help us through this difficult time, and we remain committed to providing care and comfort to all impacted.”

The woman who was able to escape the structure was initially transported to CCF-Akron General Medical Center and her condition was listed as critical, according to the fire department news release. 

The South Summit Fire Investigation Team, along with the State Fire Marshal’s office was immediately contacted to respond and their investigation into cause and origin is ongoing, the Oct. 30 news release states.