A Massachusetts community is reeling after a devastating tragedy in which a firefighter lost his young wife and newborn twins.
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Per the Boston Globe, a medical emergency in Rutland, located 12 miles northwest of Worcester, sent 31-year-old Patrick Sullivan and his pregnant wife, 30-year-old Ciara, to the hospital. On December 16, their twins—a boy and a girl—were born prematurely via emergency C-section. Both newborns and Ciara were left in critical condition and placed on life support.
Authorities announced that Ciara and her 11-day-old twins tragically passed away on Saturday.
“James Michael and Elizabeth Joanne passed away quietly and peacefully, alongside their loving mother, Ciara Joanne,” the Rutland Regional Emergency Center wrote on Facebook, per The Boston Globe.
“Words cannot express the total devastation and unimaginable loss this tragedy has brought,” the department added. “Please keep Pat in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time — he needs all the strength and support we can give him.”
“Tonight has been horrible. James Michael and Elizabeth Joanne passed quietly and peacefully with their Mother Ciara Joanne,” Sullivan wrote. “I can’t explain the total and utter devastation, anger, rage, and loss I feel that this unnecessary tragedy has brought me,” he continued. “I plan on taking the coming months to heal, if that’s even possible.”
A Fundraising Campaign Has Raised Over $140,000 For Sullivan Following the Tragedy
Meanwhile, at the time of writing, a fundraising campaign for Sullivan had far surpassed its $5,000 goal, raising over $140,000.
Last week, dozens gathered at a vigil on the Rutland Town Common to honor the family. Ciara was remembered as “one of the kindest, most generous, and loving people you could ever meet.”
Sullivan’s fellow firefighters also stood in solidarity, lining the street to honor and support him as he returned home after the tragic loss of his wife and twins.
Sullivan dedicated over 13 years to serving as an emergency dispatch supervisor for the town of Rutland, according to The Boston Globe. Ciara, who previously worked as a 911 dispatcher, had transitioned to a role as an Emergency Management Specialist for FEMA at the time of her passing.
The Rutland Fire Department also has announced plans to host a 5K race this April in honor of the Sullivan family.