Authorities Release Identity of Fatal Fire Victim

The victim in a fatal house fire in the Sleeper-Stoutland area has been identified. Chief James Vaughn says several area departments responded Friday morning to the scene at 2111 Stoutland Creek Road and found that the house had already completely burnt and was smoldering. A subsequent search began for the occupant, Marchetta Vassy, who was reported to have likely been in the residence at the time. Her remains were discovered in that search. The cause of the fire or where it started, at this time, is undetermined and under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.