Two women who lost their lives in a devastating house fire on Gunnison Avenue have been officially identified, bringing a wave of grief across the Grand Junction community. The fire, which also claimed the lives of the family’s dog and cat, remains under investigation.

Coroner Confirms Victims as Linda and Carynne Cabler

Mesa County authorities released the victims’ names on Monday, confirming that 86-year-old Linda Cabler and her 67-year-old daughter Carynne Cabler died following the fire that engulfed their home last Wednesday.

According to the Mesa County Coroner’s Office, both women succumbed to smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, which they suffered during the incident. Emergency responders provided on-scene medical care before rushing both victims to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, neither survived.

Their loss has hit especially hard in a neighborhood known for its tight-knit atmosphere.

Timeline of the Incident

The fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, April 16, when crews from the Grand Junction Fire Department were dispatched to the 1100 block of Gunnison Avenue. Reports came in of heavy smoke and flames pouring from the windows of a two-story home.

Firefighters arrived within minutes. The scene was chaotic—neighbors watched in horror as black smoke billowed from the building. First responders fought the blaze while simultaneously attempting rescues.

Inside, they found Linda and Carynne. Both were unconscious but still alive. Paramedics on the scene immediately began life-saving interventions before transporting them to the hospital.

Pets Also Lost in the Fire

Sadly, the blaze didn’t spare the family’s beloved animals. A dog and a cat were found deceased within the home. Their loss added to the emotional toll of an already tragic morning.

Though just animals to some, they were part of the Cabler family. Neighbors say the pair doted on their pets and treated them like their own children. It’s a detail that has made the tragedy feel all the more personal for those who knew them.

Investigation Still Ongoing

As of now, the cause of the fire remains unknown. Investigators from the Grand Junction Fire Department and Mesa County Fire Marshal’s Office are still working to determine what sparked the deadly blaze.

Officials have not yet ruled out any possibilities. Electrical faults, heating equipment malfunction, or even human error are all on the table. But no definitive conclusions have been shared publicly.

One source familiar with the process said that fire origin investigations can take weeks or even months, especially when dealing with older homes and extensive damage.

Remembering the Cablers

Neighbors describe Linda Cabler as a kind and soft-spoken woman who had lived in the area for decades. Her daughter Carynne had moved back into the family home in recent years to care for her aging mother.

Some remember them walking their dog every morning, waving to passing cars, or chatting with neighbors over the fence. Their sudden loss has left an emptiness that can’t be filled.

Here’s what we know about the Cablers from those close to them:

• Linda was a retired teacher and longtime resident of the area.

• Carynne had recently been undergoing health treatments of her own.

• They were active in their church and known for keeping a tidy yard and warm home.

• Their pets were like family to them—always by their sides.

House Fires in Mesa County: A Look at the Numbers

This tragedy adds to the growing concern over house fires in the region. Here’s a quick snapshot of recent fire data in Mesa County:

*As of April 2025

While fire safety campaigns have helped reduce fatalities over the years, this incident is a sobering reminder that even one lapse—or one faulty wire—can lead to irreversible loss.

Community Reacts with Shock and Sympathy

Since the fire, flowers, candles, and handwritten notes have appeared on the sidewalk outside the Cablers’ home. Neighbors have been gathering in small groups, comforting each other and recalling better times.

There’s a sense of shared sorrow. One local resident said it best: “You just don’t think something like this will happen two houses down from you. It breaks your heart.”

Some residents have already started discussions about raising funds for memorial services or finding ways to honor the Cablers’ legacy in the neighborhood.