Girl Killed In Indiana House Blaze

April 15, 2004
Terre Haute Firefighters could not save Morgan Marie Cuffle. Her parents, Jerry and Bonnie, were both taken to Union Hospital for smoke inhalation.
At around 5:30 Monday morning, firefighters were called to 229 McIlroy Avenue in West Terre Haute.

They found the home fully engulfed.

Firefighters could not save Morgan Marie Cuffle.

Her parents, Jerry and Bonnie, were both taken to Union Hospital for smoke inhalation.

There`s still no word on what caused the fire.

Now the family is coping with the loss of their daughter, but also the loss of their home and belongings.

"They need everything. Everything was lost. The tragedy of losing a child whose 6 days older than my own son. I couldn't even imagine," says Bambi Bignell.

And that's why family, friends, and West Terre Haute residents came to help in anyway they can.

Bambi Bignell is organizing a car wash and hopes to raise $1500, because every little bit helps.

"The house is gone; there's nothing left. It was like a bomb was dropped on it," explains Bignell.

But family and friends are doing whatever they can to help.

For instance they will be living in their new home for the next three months, rent free.

And that's just one way the community is helping.

A fish fry, a chicken dinner, clothes, and money are all things the family can count on.

It's all because of a loving community.

The car wash will be this Saturday from 9 to 3 at Casey's General Store in West Terre Haute.

If you would like to volunteer you can call 533-2877.

Also you can donate money to the family at the First Financial Bank under the name Morgan M. Cuffle.

There will also be a fish fry at the VFW in West Terre Haute on April 24th at 4 p.m. The cost is $5 plus donations. Also the West Terre Haute Police will have a road block at U.S. 150 and U.S. 40 on Saturday, where they will be taking donations.

Voice Your Opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Firehouse, create an account today!