WESTPORT — 36 people have been killed in a warehouse fire in Oakland, California.
Monday, Bruce Fritz of Westport, Connecticut, confirmed his daughter Riley Fritz was most likely one of the victims. Fritz was leaving for California Monday to identify the body. Friends closest to her called her by her chosen name “Feral Pines.”
Riley, who was 29-years-old, moved to California a few months ago, her father said, and was living with friends there. Fritz said one of her friends called him to say she was at the party that turned into a massive tragedy. Dozens of young people were at the converted warehouse Friday night for an electronic dance party, investigators say.
Tearfully, over the phone, Fritz said Riley’s pursuit in life was “happiness.” He said memorial arrangements have not yet been made.
Riley attended Staples High School and the district released the following statement:
The Staples High School community is saddened by the news of the death of alumna Riley Fritz in last weekend’s tragic warehouse fire in Oakland, CA.
Riley is remembered fondly by current and former staff members who knew her as a talented musician who honed her craft for hours in our recording studio, excelled in our Audio Production and arts programs, and was involved with Westport’s Toquet Hall teen center.
Our hearts go out to the Fritz family and Riley’s friends during this difficult time.
James J. D’Amico
Principal, Staples High School
Westport Public Schools
It could take weeks to identify victims through DNA and dental records, the Oakland Fire Chief said Monday. Officials have asked victims’ families to preserve their loved ones’ personal belongings including hairbrushes and toothbrushes that could contain DNA samples. Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly added that officials were also working with the transgender community to identify some of the victims.
“The scope of this tragedy is tremendous,” Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said Sunday.
