Grandmother, grandchildren die in Cumberland County fire

A grandmother and her two young grandchildren died Monday afternoon in a house fire near Godwin, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said.

Spokeswoman Debbie Tanna said the fire started shortly before 5 p.m. at 8123 Fayetteville Road in Falcon. It was reported by a passerby who noticed smoke coming from the residence.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found Angela Cox, 40, Kayden Shambach, 3, and 20-month old Chase Shambach dead.

Authorities said Cox was babysitting the children while her daughter was at work. The four had been living together at the home.

The fire is under investigation, and the cause has not been determined. Fire Chief Wayne Lucas said there were no smoke detectors in the house, to his knowledge.