Man who lost wife, kids, dog in Gwinnett fire: ‘My whole life is over’

Feb 11, 2016 - 06:34
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Man who lost wife, kids, dog in Gwinnett fire: ‘My whole life is over’
Brent Patterson

Hours after losing his wife, his two young daughters, his dog and his house in a fire, Brent Patterson retued to his Gwinnett County neighborhood without a coat or shoes.

”They’re dead, he told Channel 2 Action News as tears streamed down his face. ”My whole life is over. My whole life is over.

The fire that killed Patterson’s wife, Kathy, and the couple’s 9- and 12-year-old daughters appears to have been wind-driven and flames spread rapidly through the home, Gwinnett fire spokesman Tommy Rutledge said Wednesday.

”The fire was so intense, he said, ”firefighters could not immediately enter the structure. They had to battle this blaze from outside.

And they did not find the body of one of the children until 5:30 a.m. Wednesday — nine hours after dispatchers received calls reporting the blaze. She was found in debris.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.