What began as an ordinary Friday afternoon at a Massachusetts care facility ended with a heartbreaking tragedy just two days later.
Nelson Gonzalez, a longtime maintenance worker at the Gabriel House Assisted Living Facility in Fall River, was chatting with one of the elderly residents as he left for the weekend.
He casually said goodbye with, “See you Monday.” But the resident responded with something chilling: “Tomorrow’s not guaranteed.”
That same resident would die in a devastating fire just 48 hours later.
A Deadly Fire Tears Through Gabriel House
On Sunday night around 9:30 p.m., flames erupted through the 100-unit senior living facility located near the Rhode Island border, catching many residents as they slept.
The fire claimed nine lives and left more than 30 others injured—one of whom remains in critical condition.
The fire, which quickly escalated to a five-alarm emergency, forced more than 50 firefighters to respond.
Even as daylight broke on Monday, crews were still combing the building for victims.
Families, desperate for answers, stood outside waiting to hear news about their loved ones.
First Responders Described Chaos and Courage
According to the Fall River Police Department, patrol officers were the first to arrive.
They were immediately met with a wall of thick, black smoke.
Many residents—some unable to walk—were trapped inside.
Officers didn’t wait for backup. They kicked down doors and physically carried out about a dozen non-ambulatory residents.
Their swift actions are being hailed as heroic. In a statement, the department said, “Their bravery and quick action undoubtedly saved many lives.”
The Man Behind the Eerie Premonition
Nelson Gonzalez, 65, was deeply shaken. A familiar face around the care facility, he’d formed friendships with several residents and their families. He recalled enjoying a picnic with them just two days before the fire.
Speaking to the Boston Globe, Gonzalez said, “I did make friends with a lot of the residents here, and unfortunately, a few of them passed away.”
But the words of one man in particular stuck with him—the one who had ominously told him, “Tomorrow’s not guaranteed.”
Details Still Under Investigation
As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is being conducted by both the Fall River Police and Massachusetts State Police.
Officials believe around 70 people were inside the building when the fire started.
Fall River Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon, clearly emotional, confirmed the death toll during a midnight press conference.
“Our hearts go out to all of the families. Fall River stands with them,” he said, his voice breaking.
Emergency Services Stepped Up
The Gabriel House facility, which opened in 1999, had long been a residence for elderly individuals needing daily assistance.
Located in a city of roughly 94,000 people, it’s one of several senior care homes in the area.
A family reunification center has since been set up at St. Anne’s Hospital on Middle Street.
Families seeking information can also call 508-674-5741 for help.
A City in Mourning
The community of Fall River is now grieving—both for those lost and for the trauma endured by survivors and first responders alike.
While investigations continue, the memory of that resident’s final words—“Tomorrow’s not guaranteed”—echoes with a powerful, heartbreaking weight.