BLOOMINGTON — A Monroe County family is mourning the loss of a third family member following a horrific house fire on January 18 that investigators believe was intentionally set.
Paula Anderson, 53, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at an Indianapolis hospital, according to Monroe County Coroner Jeff Hall. Her death comes more than two weeks after the blaze that claimed the lives of her oldest daughter and a family friend.
The fire broke out around 2:40 a.m. in the 3800 block of East Anderson Road. When Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies arrived, they found a vehicle had crashed into an attached garage, which was fully engulfed in flames.
Family members shared that Paula Anderson, a certified nursing assistant, and her youngest daughter, Gabby Anderson, suffered life-altering burns while desperately trying to rescue the others trapped inside.
Paula Anderson suffered burns on 85% of her body before succumbing to her injuries. Gabby Anderson: Currently being treated for burns on 30% of her body.
The fire had already claimed two lives at the scene.
Kristine Rowan, 33, Paula’s oldest daughter, who lived with cerebral palsy and was bedridden. Her aunt described her as a “joyful and loving spirit” who loved to sing songs from The Little Mermaid.
Mary Blake, 74, the owner of the home. Paula had been living in the residence to provide professional care for both Mary and Kristine.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as a suspected arson. Approximately one hour after arriving at the scene, deputies—with assistance from Bloomington Police and Indiana State Police—located a person of interest hiding in a wooded area on the property.
The suspect, whose identity has not yet been formally released, also suffered burn injuries and was transported to an Indianapolis hospital under police custody. Charges are currently pending as the multi-agency investigation continues.
A GoFundMe account has been established to assist Gabby Anderson with medical bills and the total loss of her home and belongings. As of early February, the community has raised over $28,000 for the survivors.
