Willey Chappell, Sarah Chappell Obituary, Death – Authorities in Phenix City are investigating a heartbreaking incident in which four members of a family were found deceased following a house fire on Wehring Lane late Sunday night. The discovery has left the community in mourning as investigators work to determine what caused the blaze.
According to officials, emergency crews were called to the home after reports of a fire in the area. Upon arrival, firefighters and police found heavy smoke and worked quickly to bring the situation under control. Once inside the residence, responders discovered four people who had tragically lost their lives.
Russell County Coroner Arthur Sumbry Jr. later identified the victims as 77-year-old Willey Chappell, 70-year-old Sarah Chappell, 40-year-old Vantice Williams, and 6-year-old Paradise Williams. All four were believed to be related and living at the home.
In an early statement, Coroner Sumbry indicated that the preliminary cause of death appears to be smoke inhalation, though he emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing. Authorities are waiting for the results of official autopsies and fire investigations before confirming the final cause. The bodies of the victims have been transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for further examination.
Fire investigators from Phenix City, along with local law enforcement and state fire marshals, are working together to determine how the fire started and whether any other factors may have played a role. At this time, officials have not released details about where in the home the fire began or how long it burned before emergency crews arrived.
Neighbors in the quiet residential area described the event as shocking and deeply saddening. Many said the family had lived in the neighborhood for years and were well known for their kindness. Residents recalled waking up to the sound of sirens and seeing smoke filling the air as firefighters worked through the night.
As word of the tragedy spread, members of the Phenix City community began organizing to support the affected family and offer condolences. Local churches and community leaders expressed sympathy and encouraged residents to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
Authorities have not reported any signs of foul play and are treating the fire as an accidental incident until further evidence suggests otherwise. Investigators are reviewing all available information, including electrical systems, heating equipment, and other potential sources that could have contributed to the fire. Officials said that the final report may take some time as they await results from multiple agencies involved in the case.
In the meantime, safety experts are reminding residents about the importance of home fire safety. They recommend installing and regularly testing smoke alarms, keeping fire extinguishers accessible, and creating an escape plan that everyone in the household knows. Even small preventive measures, officials say, can make a critical difference during a fire emergency.
The Phenix City Fire Department expressed appreciation for the quick response of all first responders who worked the scene and extended condolences to the family and friends of the victims. They also thanked the public for their patience as investigators continue their work.
Local officials have described the loss as one of the most tragic incidents the area has seen in recent years, particularly because it affected multiple generations within one family. Russell County authorities said they will release additional information once the investigation is complete and more details are confirmed.
For now, the community continues to grieve the loss of Willey and Sarah Chappell, along with Vantice and Paradise Williams. Neighbors and loved ones have begun placing flowers and candles near the site of the fire as a tribute to the family, reflecting a community united in sorrow and support as it waits for answers about what caused the devastating incident.
