Woman dies 1 month after son accidentally starts home on fire

OGDEN — An Ogden woman died over the weekend from burns she suffered a month ago in a freak fire that also killed her 4-year-old son.

Kimberly Gaspa, 28, died Friday from severe burns from the June 26 fire, Ogden police and University Hospital confirmed. With the woman's death, investigators are still working to determine what prevented the mother and son from escaping the flames.

Police and firefighters were called to the fire at 225 29th St. about 12:30 a.m on June 26. Responding officers evacuated the home but learned that two people were still inside. Both Gaspa and her son, Ryder, were found unconscious in the basement.

The mother and son were rushed to separate hospitals. Ryder was pronounced dead upon arrival of smoke and soot inhalation, police said.

His mother was listed in critical condition at University Hospital's burn unit. According to a GoFundMe* account raising money for a memorial for Gaspa, the woman suffered third-degree burns on 47 percent of her body and battled several infections before she died.

Investigators believe the boy was playing with a butane torch and accidentally ignited a mattress in the basement apartment. Damage was estimated at $30,000.

An Ogden police spokesman said Monday the fire is still considered an accident, though the investigation remains active. There was no new information about why Gaspa and her son were unable to escape the basement.

In the days after the fire, Ogden Police Lt. Nate Cline said investigators likely wouldn't be able to determine what had happened without talking to Gaspa.

Ryder's obituary thanked Ogden residents for their kindness and support following the boy's death.

Friends and family said goodbye to Gaspa on her Facebook page.

"You will be missed. Our hearts sit heavy as we know the world lost a beautiful angel," one woman wrote. "Least we all know that you are not in pain and reunited with your baby boy as you both watch over your other baby and family. You were so beautiful and full of life you will be missed."

*KSL.com does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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