Family: Bodies of mother, daughters found after Tennessee fire
GATLINBURG, Tenn. — A missing woman and her two daughters have been identified by family as three more victims of this week’s deadly wildfire in eastern Tennessee.
Constance Reed, who had been missing with her two daughters since a wind-whipped firestorm erupted Monday in Sevier County and swept through the town of Gatlinburg, died in that fire, the Rev. Philip Morris, the family’s pastor, said at a news conference at the Parkway Church of God.
Reed, as well as daughters Chloe Reed, 12, and Lily Reed, 9, had been missing from their Chalet Village home since the fire burst across the city limits Monday night.
Reed’s father-in-law, Grant Reed, posted Saturday on Facebook that Chloe and Lily had been found dead as well.
“With profound sadness that is now a part of my soul I am sorry to share the passing of Constance, Chloe and Lily,” he wrote. “Please continue to pray for my son Michael and his son Nichols.”
Authorities haven’t publicly identified any of the three among the dead, but Morris said Sevier County Sheriff’s Office deputies had informed the family of the mother’s death.
“Our hearts are broken to receive this news,” Morris said. “We ask for everyone to continue in prayer for this family.”
The three were at home when the fire struck Monday night. Michael Reed and his son, were away from the home but in Gatlinburg at the time. They were unable to return to the home.
The home was destroyed by the fire.
A fund drive has been set up for the family under “Reed Family Relief Fund” on the church’s web site, www.parkwaychurchofgod.org.
Michael Reed’s search for his family has been a focus of much news coverage since the fire began as he searched various shelters in the area for them.
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