Family hopes for answers after woman found dead in Catawba house fire

CATAWBA, N.C. — Officials are investigating a deadly house fire that happened Sunday night near Catawba Elementary School, officials said.

Officials identified the woman found inside the house as Charlotte Gibbs Phillips.

When firefighters responded to the fire in the 5300 block of Hudson Chapel Road, flames had engulfed the single-story house and collapsed the roof. The fire spread quickly and flames shot more than 30 feet above the roof and burned some trees.

Neighbor Robert Wilson said there was little anyone could do to save his neighbor.

"When I came outside, all I saw was a big old blaze on top of the house," Wilson said.

Family members and friends gathered feet from what's left of the front door to honor Phillips and remember her. Her brother told Channel 9 he still can't believe his sister died in the fire and is hoping for answers in the case.

"For me, really and it's for everybody to find out what happened," Gibbs said.

Several different agencies are investigating the fire. Investigators said there was so much damage, it may be difficult to pinpoint a cause.

One firefighter told Channel 9 they have not found anything suspicious.

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