Christmas Eve fire claims one life: family

Linda Bell of Wallaceburg made it out of her burning home safely, only to suffer a fatal heart attack just two hours later. Photo courtesy of Amy Dramnitzke

By Greg Holden

A 57-year-old woman has passed away of a heart attack following a Christmas Eve fire in Wallaceburg.

Linda Bell, 57, made it out of the fire on her own and was uninjured by the blaze itself. In the aftermath Bell went to her daughters home where she quickly fell ill. Bell had significant heart troubles in the past, having a major heart attack on Christmas Eve two years ago.

Bell’s daughter, Amy Dramnitzke, was in the fire-stricken house with her seven-year old daughter at the time of the fire and called 911. Dramnitzke told the CKReview when she went outside to look at the home, she was startled to find a lot more smoke. Upon going to the side of the house Dramnitzke saw flames shooting out of the side of the house. No-one suffered any smoke inhalation and it is believed the family escaped soon after the fire began.

About two hours later the family sought refuge at daughter Amy’s home when Bell suffered the attack. Daughter Amy attempted life-saving CPR before an ambulance arrived. Dramnitzke said the pressure of losing her home and all her belongings were too much for her mother.

Bell leaves behind two daughters and has grandchildren.