Authorities Identify Victim of Palestine Fire

PALESTINE � The body of a victim from a late September fire in downtown Palestine has been identified as that of Hope Leann Pyle, nicknamed Hope Clark, 32, from Palestine. According to KETK, on September 28, two people were found dead after a building and apartments went up in flames just after midnight in the 110 block of East Oak Avenue. The building was a total loss; two firefighters were treated at the scene for heat-related injuries.

Four people were inside the building at the time of the fire, two of whom were able to make it out. Crews found the bodies of the missing two while cleaning up debris. The State Fire Marshal has been conducting the investigation into the fire. Pyle worked for Family Gardens and her funeral services were held October 5 at a Palestine church. Palestine officials say at this time, no determination has been made on how or where the fire started. The identity of the second casualty has not yet been released.