[1]Tabitha and Bethany Cuvreau
Updated at 12:02 p.m.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The investigation into the cause of the fire that killed a mother and two little girls in Winlock continues but authorities now have some answers.
The three died from smoke inhalation, according to the Lewis County Coroner’s Office.
Coroner Warren McLeod said autopsies were completed between Friday and yesterday on the deceased.
[2]Samantha Koehler
They are Samantha Koehler, 31, and her two daughters Bethany Cuvreau, 4, and Tabitha Cuvreau, 2.
McLeod said his work didn’t come up with an answer as to why the trio didn’t get out of the burning home, while the father and two boys were able to escape.
“That would call for speculation on my part,” McLeod said.
However, he said, the impact of smoke in a person’s system can overcome someone quite quickly and cause unconsciousness.
The three will be released today, so they can be laid to rest, according to McLeod.
The early morning blaze on Thursday nearly consumed the two-story home on the 800 block of Northeast First Street. According to county records and authorities it was built in 1904 and served by natural gas.
The family had been sleeping and when the father and two boys headed out the door, the mother and girls were right behind him, but for whatever reason didn’t get out, according to Police Chief Terry Williams.
Williams today said he doesn’t know when the investigation into the cause of the fire will be finished.
“There’s stuff that has to be sent off to be analyzed,” Williams said.
Meanwhile, many members of the community have been working to raise money and collect donations for the survivors.
The St. Helens Tap House in Toledo is holding a benefit charity ride on March 21, beginning at their establishment on Ramsey Way with multiple stops during a 75-mile loop through the county, to include door prizes and drawings.
The entry fee is $25 per person with all proceeds going to the fire victims, according to Toledo resident Brandie Devine.
For more info or to donate to the prize packages, the contacts are: Brandie Devine at 360-880-7331, Callie Fraser at 850-803-9617 or or Terry Butler 360-269-0041.
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For background, read “Deadly Winlock fire: Investigation, grieving, continue” from Friday February 27, 2015, here [3]
[4]Connect with First Street Fire Benefit Ride on Facebook [5]