Ridener Family Issues Statement Regarding House Fire and Loss of Children in Switzerland Co.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 2:12 PM

By Kacie Jackson

On Saturday, March 28, a home fire claimed the life of six siblings in Switzerland County.

(Switzerland County, Ind.) - On Saturday, March 28, a home fire claimed the life of six siblings in Switzerland County. The family of the siblings has issued a statement regarding the home fire, and the loss of their loved ones due to this tragic event.

The fire which started just around 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning at the Lewis Drive residence is still under investigation by the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Switzerland County Coroner’s Office.

The statement is as follows:

Early Saturday morning, we lost six family members in a tragic accidental house fire. There are no words to express the hole that has formed in the hearts of our family members as a result of this tragic loss of six innocent young lives. We have found solace and comfort in the overwhelming love and support that Switzerland County residents, as well as the surrounding tri-state communities, have shared with our family during this difficult time.

In July 2010, Sam, Jordan, and Austin were placed in our care through the Indiana Department of Child Services. Their two sisters, Grace and Emily were placed in a different foster home and when there was an opportunity, in October 2011, to reunite them all into one household, our family did just that. In 2013, after attempting to reunite them with any interested member of the biological family, Lisa and Darwin "Dobbie" Ridener adopted them into our family where they have been loved and cared for ever since.

Paige Ridener became a part of our family in 2007, and was legally adopted in 2010. Paige was deeply passionate about all of her brothers and sisters even though she had moved to the greater Louisville area to attend college and further her career in the hospitality industry. She took every opportunity to be with all of her family members, including the one that brought her back to Switzerland County two weeks ago, to help care for her "siblings" due to recent events. She heroically passed away in one final act of selflessness, by bravely attempting to save those she loved.

We want to again thank all of the first responders who we know did everything they could to save the ones we love. The family is requesting that the media respects our need for privacy as we take time to process the loss of six of our family members.

Respectfully,

The Ridener Family

During this time the community is coming together to show their support for the family and will be collecting donations through go fund me to help cover any expenses the family might acquire at this time. If you would like to donate you can find the information here.