Indiana State police investigating Wabash fire that killed child

Monday, December 2, 2024 at 1:44 PM

By Staff report

Delilah Goforth, 2, was found inside the home and pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Indiana State Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating a house fire in the town of Wabash that claimed the life of a 2-year-old child and critically injured a 6-month-old child.

According to Wabash Central Dispatch records, at 12:10 p.m. Saturday, a 911 call reported a house fire at 626 Columbus Street. A passerby noticed the fire and alerted family members who were in a separate part of the residence.

The Wabash Fire Department was dispatched and arrived on the scene finding the house actively burning. The Noble Township Fire Department was also dispatched to assist.

Firefighters located two children inside the burning structure. A 6-month-old was found unconscious and not breathing. First responders immediately began life-saving measures, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The child was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital and then flown by Lutheran Air to Riley Hospital in Indianapolis, where they remain in stable condition.

Delilah Goforth, 2, was found inside the home and pronounced deceased at the scene. Notification has been made to the family.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the origin and cause of the fire. Preliminary findings suggest the fire began on the first floor in an area occupied by Delilah at the time. Initial information indicates the two children were in separate rooms and reportedly sleeping when the fire started. The investigation is expected to take time to ensure thoroughness, and additional details may not be immediately available.

An autopsy for Delilah Goforth will be conducted at the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center in Fort Wayne to determine the cause and manner of death.

The Indiana State Police, in coordination with the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Wabash County Coroner’s Office, will work to establish if a criminal element was involved in this incident.

Agencies working on the scene included Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Wabash Fire Department, Noble Township Fire Department, Wabash Police Department, Wabash County EMS, Wabash County EMA, Lutheran Air, and the Wabash County Coroner’s Office.

More from Local News

Ribbon cut at Fulton County Wellness Center

'When you think about these seniors and how important it is for their future health, a place like this brings them not only healthy hearts and healthy bodies, but also that community setting.'
Kewanna to receive grant for drinking, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure
Wabash County named a 2024 Stellar Pathways designated community
Jail Bookings – Dec. 19, 2024

The following people were recently booked at the Fulton County Jail:
Two arrested in narcotics investigation in Fulton County

Shawn Good, 34, and Bayleigh Malott, 24, both of Rochester, each face charges for allegedly dealing and possessing methamphetamine, as well as maintaining a common nuisance, following a recent narcotics investigation by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.
Logansport highlighted on International Migrant Day

Since the 1800s Logansport has been known for its immigrant population, but a recent influx in Haitian migrants the past several years has some citizens concerned about the impact it may have on their local economy. While government officials in Indiana claim that Logansport isn’t in crisis from the migration, many community members are still voicing their concerns.
Crime Stoppers tip leads to three arrests

Matthew Dean, 33, of North Liberty, Derrick Little, 38, of Knox, and Sharlotte Preston, 34, of Plymouth, preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic drug, visiting a common nuisance, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.
Beacon Credit Union donates $1K to United Ministries of Fulton County

'It's great seeing the community come together to help one another.'