Child hurt in Roanoke Rapids fire dies

Caleb Ponton died at the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where he had been in critical condition following the fire at 981 Davie School Road, near Roanoke Rapids.

Investigators haven't determined the cause of the fire but said it started in the kitchen of the home, which is owned by Caleb's great-aunt and great-uncle, Joyce and Ernest Williams. The couple had been caring for the child.

Firefighters found Caleb trapped in his bedroom and were able to resuscitate him before getting him to a local hospital.

Joyce Williams, 66, managed to get out of the house but remains hospitalized at the burn center in critical condition.

Ernest Williams, 67, and Joyce Williams' sister, Dora Patterson, 63, who was visiting from Rockingham, both died in the fire.

The family has set up an address where anyone can send a donation to help the family:

Roanoke Rapids, N.C. 27870

To inquire about the fund, call the bank at 252-537-1265 and ask about the "Joyce and Ernest Williams fundraiser account" to donate money. Make checks/money orders payable to "Joyce and Ernest Williams Fundraiser Account" to send by mail.