A peaceful Phenix City night turned tragic when an overnight blaze on Wehring Lane claimed the lives of four members of a single family, casting a heavy shadow over the community.
Emergency crews were called in late Saturday night after reports of a house fire. When firefighters entered the home, they discovered four bodies inside. Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. later confirmed the victims as 77-year-old Willey Chappell, 70-year-old Sarah Chappell, 40-year-old Vantice Williams, and 6-year-old Paradise Williams.
Preliminary findings suggest smoke inhalation may have been the cause of death, though the official determinations await full autopsies at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery. The investigation into how the fire began is still underway, with authorities remaining tight-lipped about further details.
Neighbors who knew the family describe them as warm, close, and deeply woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. The shock of their sudden loss has hit those around them hard, with many reaching out to express condolences and offer support. One local said they were “always kind, always smiling,” another recalled hearing laughter and music from the home just days earlier.
As news spread Monday morning, community members gathered to mourn. Vigils were being planned, churches opened their doors, and calls for donations began circulating to help with funeral or related expenses. The emotional weight was especially heavy given the presence of a child among the victims.
Officials emphasized the ongoing nature of the investigation. No additional information has been released yet about potential causes such as electrical issues, accidental ignition, or structural factors. Investigators hope forensic evidence will shed light on how the fire started and whether anything could have been done to prevent it.
In the days ahead, the community will watch closely for updates. Meanwhile, hearts are with the Chappells and the Williams family—those left behind, those who loved them, and the neighborhood now struggling to soothe the wound that night’s tragedy has opened.