Woman identified after deadly fire at recovery apartment building in downtown Indianapolis
Update: This article was updated May 31, 2022 and June 26, 2022 with more information about the deceased.
A woman died after a fire early May 29 in an apartment building in Downtown Indianapolis.
The fire was reported around 5 a.m. at the Lucille Raines Residence at 947 Pennsylvania St. The woman had evacuated but went back to her apartment twice to get her personal belongings, according to the Indianapolis Fire Department.
She did not make it out the second time.
She was identified as Sara Holt, 41, according to the Marion County Coroner's Office.
Holt was an elementary school teacher for several years in Florida before she moved to Indianapolis, where she worked as an art therapist. She struggled with drug addiction and had been clean for more than 18 months when she died.
"Sara dedicated her life to helping others overcome their addictions," according to her obituary.
The department said the fire was accidental, although investigators have not determined its cause. The fire appears to have started on the fourth floor, where Holt lived.
5:06 AM - 1 woman lost her life in an early morning blaze at 947 N Pennsylvania St after fire broke out in her apt at the Lucille Raines Residence. #IFD FF arrived to find nothing showing but investigation found heavy smoke conditions on the 4th floor. Under Control in 20 mins. pic.twitter.com/IYtNof3IBx
— Indianapolis Fire Department 🚒 (@IFD_NEWS) May 29, 2022
Several residents were checked by paramedics, but no one had to be taken to the hospital. No other injuries were reported. The building's 45 other residents made it back to their apartments.
The fire department reminds everyone not to try to go back inside a burning building to gather personal belongings or pets.
"Get out and stay out. The toxic effects of smoke will render you unconscious in minutes and can prove to be fatal – as evidenced by today's unfortunate fatality. Our thoughts are with all who are affected by her loss," the fire department said.
The Lucille Raines Residence, owned and operated by the United Methodist Women of Indiana, provides housing and programs for people recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. The six-story building houses up to 49 residents, according to its website.
Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026. Follow her on Twitter: @bykristinep.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis fire: Woman dies in apartment building fire downtown
