ALLENTOWN — The Trevorton woman who tried to rescue her sister two times from their burning home in Trevorton died Wednesday evening in the Lehigh Valley Hospital Burn Unit, Allentown.
Pat Miller, 77, had been listed in critical condition since she was transferred to the burn center from the Shamokin Area Community Hospital following the Friday afternoon fire.
Her death was listed accidental. The cause of death was thermal injuries. She reportedly had second-degree burns.
Fire officials said Miller tried to rescue her 95-year-old sister, Gertrude Koppenheffer, from the burning structure at 249 W. Shamokin St., which housed Miller’s Bakery at one time.
Miller went into the house twice to try to save her sister, a neighbor said. Miller was rescued by firefighters.
Koppenheffer's body was found in the kitchen area of their three-story home. State police fire marshal Norm Fedder confirmed her body was found at about 10:30 p.m. Friday.
Fedder, with the help of several Trevorton Fire Company members, examined the blackened and charred structure Monday morning, shoveling debris and using flashlights during the investigation. Fedder said the fire started behind the refrigerator.
Damages were listed at $100,000.
On Monday morning, the three-story home, surrounded by bright yellow “Do Not Cross” tape, halted numerous curious neighbors and passers-by, who stopped to get a look at the scene. Charred debris, including a dresser and side table, were piled on the sidewalk outside the gutted building. Siding melted during the blaze, but two small American flags remained hanging on an adjacent porch.
Northumberland County Coroner James F. Kelley said Koppenheffer was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Barry J. Leisenring. He said the cause of death was thermal injuries, and the manner of death was accidental.
Kelley said he understood she was partly disabled because firefighters were looking for a wheelchair in an attempt to pinpoint her location.
About 100 firefighters responded to the five-alarm fire.
