Tragic Ritchie Family Fire
Early Wednesday morning on November 12th, 11-year-old Blaine Ritchie died after his parents were unable to rescue him from a house fire in Johnson County, Arkansas. His six-year-old sister Meadow was taken to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock with severe burns. Their parents, Robbie and Jeannie Ritchie, also suffered burns and were airlifted to the University of Arkansas For Medical Sciences hospital in Little Rock.
A next-door neighbor and Robbie attempted to rescue Blaine by placing a ladder up to his bedroom window, but the fire was so intense that they could not get into the house.
The family has set up a benefit account for Meadow, Jeannie, and Robbie at Bank of the Ozarks, called the Ritchie Family Benefit account. Donations made here go directly to that account.
This family not only lost their 11-year-old son and brother, they will have also have unexpected funeral expenses. The Ritchies have lost their home and all of their property in the fire.The community of Clarksville is absolutely heartbroken for this wonderful family and anything you could give would go such a long way in helping the family during such a terrible time.
My family (Teresa, Ethan, and CharLee Rogers) have been long time neighbors of the Ritchies and wanted to create an online source for people to donate. Since many of the people wanting to help don't have easy access to a Bank of the Ozarks, we thought a GoFundMe page would be useful. I have been in contact with Betty York and the family now has complete access and control over the donations made here.
If anyone has any additional information they would like me to include, please contact me!