AKRON, Ohio — The State Fire Marshal is asking the public for information regarding a fatal fire that happened in December 2024.
Fire crews responded to the 1100 block of Vernon Odom Boulevard for a report of a house fire on Dec. 7.
A News 5 crew covered the tragic fire:
RELATED: Akron house fire leaves 1 dead, 2 firefighters injured
Upon arrival, firefighters reported smoke coming out of the top floor of the house.
Haleigh Horger, 20, was removed from the attic and transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, the fire department said.
Two firefighters were injured and were transported to Cleveland Clinic Akron General, according to the department.
The Blue Ribbon Arson Committee and Summit County Crimestoppers are offering a combined reward of up to $10,000.
Horger's mother, Natalie Eslich, has been desperately waiting for answers since that tragic day.
"If it was your daughter or your sister or your best friend, you'd want to know," Eslich said. "You don't expect this kind of phone call as a parent."
While the cause of the fire has not been officially ruled, firefighters suspect it was arson.
"If this is deemed arson, I want them to find who did it and I know somebody out there has to know something," Eslich said.
In October, two months before the deadly fire, the city posted a condemnation notice on the house. Investigators said it's not clear if the people who were staying at the house had permission to be there. A city spokesperson said the house is on a demolition list.
Anyone with information on the fire is asked to call the State Fire Marshal tip line at 800-589-2728.
Callers can remain anonymous.
