MILAM COUNTY, TX — Police say 3 people were killed in a house fire on the 1800 block of FM 486 North in Thorndale at around 1:45 a.m. on Feb. 16.
According to Milam County Sheriff Chris White, early reports from nearby family indicated that three people were possibly inside.
Thorndale Volunteer Fire Dept arrived to find the house fully involved and immediately requested assistance from Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department. Both departments battled the fire for over three hours.
Officer White says initial investigation has confirmed that the fire appears to have claimed three lives.
Investigators with the State Fire Marshall’s Office were called to assist Milam County Sheriff’s Office investigators in recovering the remains and fully investigate the fire.
Additional information is leading investigators to believe the cause of the fire may be related to the use of a space-heater.
Family members familiar with the 3 residents said they believe Marvin Cantwell age 50, Myrtle Cantwell age 82, and Bill Cantwell age 59 perished in the fire.
A family member has started a GoFundMe fundraiser for funeral costs.
Jimmy Birch, the fundraiser organizer, says "my grandma and two uncle's were in the house and didn't make it out. We are in the process of planning their funeral and could use some financial help. They didn't have insurance."
You can find the GoFundMe here.
