(This story was published first by the Brattleboro Reformer on Jan. 2, 2018.)
[A] fire in Brookline on Dec. 17 has claimed its second victim.
The Vermont State Police issued a news release Tuesday saying Bruce R. Cutts, 70, of Brookline, died at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston as a result of injuries he sustained in a house fire.
Firefighters from around the region went to the home about 2 a.m. on Dec. 17. They learned that although Cutts and his wife, Sally Cutts, 63, were able to escape from the house, their daughter, Elizabeth Cutts, 32, was still inside.
Firefighters were unable to enter the burning home to try to rescue Elizabeth Cutts, officials said in a news release issued shortly after the fire. She was later found dead inside.
The parents were both taken to Massachusetts General with what were described as significant burns and injuries.
According to arson investigators, the cause of the fire is undetermined but not deemed suspicious.
Firefighters from NewBrook Volunteer Fire Department and volunteer fire crews from Townshend, Putney, Wardsboro, Saxtons River, West Dummerston, East Dover and Jamaica responded to the scene, as did EMS staff from Rescue Inc.
The investigation continues. Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to contact Detective Sgt. Eric Albright at 802-722-4600.
