OCEANA, WV (WOAY) – An early morning fire that claimed the lives of a beloved Wyoming County mother and son on Thursday, October 30, rattled the community to its core.
According to Sheriff Brad Ellison, when West Virginia State Fire Marshal investigators arrived at the scene of the Roman Road (Turkey Hill area) residence, they found Sue Ellen Workman and her son, Easton, had perished in the home.
Oceana Little League, where Easton played ball, held a candlelight vigil on the Glen Fork School baseball field.
“I really don’t know what happened, but I do know it is very, very upsetting,” said Oceana Resident BJ Rakes. “I liked Sue Ellen. Everybody liked Sue Ellen.”
The mother of two (son Ashton Reed is devastated) made a lasting impression on the community that won’t soon be forgotten.
“I really didn’t know Easton all that much,” Rakes said. “I’ve known Sue Ellen for a long time. She was a really good person.”
Ellison says the fire is under investigation, and they are still trying to determine the cause.
Heartbroken, Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary wanted to honor Sue Ellen and Easton by providing their goats and ducks a permanent home.
“Lost touch with her a few years back, but she had a big impact on the community,” said Rakes. “She done everything for people. She was a really outgoing person. She done a lot for everybody.”
Mourning the agonizing loss, Glen Fork closed its grade school and elementary school. How does one even grasp such a tragedy?
“You really can’t,” Rakes said. “It was awful for sure.”
