Esperanza Gutierrez,Mateo Gutierrez Obituary, Death;- The Sevier County Sheriff’s Office has disclosed the identities of two children who tragically lost their lives in a structure fire on South Flat Creek Road on December 30.
Earlier, the sheriff’s office indicated that they responded to the fire at approximately 9:30 a.m. on that day, following a 911 emergency call. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a home that was “fully involved” in flames, resulting in the confirmation of two fatalities. The victims have been identified as 15-year-old Esperanza Gutierrez and 8-year-old Mateo Gutierrez.
Investigators from the sheriff’s office concluded that the fire was accidental, originating from a kerosene heater utilized to warm the lower section of the residence.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gutierrez family and all those impacted by this heartbreaking loss of two young lives,” stated Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters. “We extend our gratitude to our emergency responders for their dedicated efforts during this challenging time.”
The investigation into the fire was conducted by the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, the Sevier County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
In addition, several other agencies were involved in responding to the incident, including the Catons Chapel-Richardson Cove Volunteer Fire Department, English Mountain Volunteer Fire Department, Sevier County Ambulance Service, Sevier County Central Dispatch E911, Sevierville Fire Department, Sevier County Emergency Management Agency, Sevier County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
