The Gloucester community has begun to rally around the family that suffered the loss of three children and their grandmother in an early-morning fire Jan. 16 on Summerville Drive.

A donation drive is underway and several fundraisers have already been held with more still planned. In addition, nearly 200 people attended a candlelight vigil in the parking lot adjacent to Tractor Supply on Friday night to remember the family.

The victims of the fire have been identified as Thomas Grogan, 7; Michael Grogan, 2; Gabriel Grogan, 6 months, and their grandmother, Virginia Grogan, 54.

Gloucester sheriff Darrell Warren said that it appears that the medical examiner’s final report will take a great deal of time because of the lack of dental records of the victims used for DNA testing for positive identification.

In regard to the cause and origin of the fire, Warren said the Virginia State Police has agreed to be the lead investigating agency. "We continue to believe that this fire appears to be accidental," he added.

How to help

The family’s pastor, Ken Waclo of Bellamy United Methodist Church, said a fund has been set up in the church to give money directly to the Grogans. He asked that donations be mailed to Bellamy United Methodist Church, 4870 Chestnut Fork Road, Gloucester, Va. 23061 and should be identified "Grogan Family Fund."

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