By Myra Hogan, managing editor
June 17, 2009 — Hitchins and Grayson Fire Departments were called to the scene of a house fire Sunday evening, June 14, around 8:30 p.m. The home of Mike Gollihue, located at 532 Huff Run, was fully engulfed when they arrived.
Gollihue was not home at the time, but in the house at the time of the fire was Paula Mauk, 42, from Bruin, and her son, Brandon Thompson, 24.
Deputy Coroner Ronnie Wallace said he was called to the scene around 10 p.m. and pronounced Mauk dead at 10:25 p.m.
According to Wallace, positive identification was made from dental records after an autopsy Tuesday at Frankfort. Globe Funeral Home in Olive Hill is in charge of arrangements, which are pending.
Thompson was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital, where he remains after suffering severe burns.
KSP Arson Investigator Rodney Carroll is investigating the fire and the results were not known as of Tuesday afternoon. Neighbors reported they heard the fire could have been caused by an electrical problem or by lightning from the storm Sunday evening.
A couple of citizens are collecting donations for homeowner Mike Gollihue, after losing all his possessions in the fire.
Contributions can be made by contacting Cindy Stratton at 474.6652 or 474.8893 or Stephanie Davis at 474.5275. Leave a message if no answerRock Crusher Curve will soon be a problem of the past as the project to straighten the roadway is well underway and expected to be completed by early fall.
