A devastating early morning house fire in Port Orchard, Washington, claimed the lives of 40-year-old Carlin Sheedy and his 9-year-old daughter, Jayden Sheedy, early on the morning of Saturday, July 5, 2025. The Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office reported that the fire broke out in a residence shortly before dawn. When emergency crews arrived, the home was already engulfed in flames.
Despite the firefighter’s efforts, the father and daughter suffered fatal injuries and did not survive. A GoFundMe has been established to help support the grieving family and cover associated expenses. The Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official causes of death, and the origin of the fire remains under active investigation.
If you or someone you love has been harmed in a house fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation.
Understanding the Risks and Causes of House Fires
House fires can be triggered by a range of factors, from faulty electrical wiring and defective appliances to unattended cooking or improperly maintained heating systems. In some cases, landlord negligence, building code violations, or substandard construction materials may contribute to a fire’s severity or preventable spread.
Fires that ignite overnight or in the early morning hours are particularly dangerous, as they often catch residents off guard while asleep, leaving limited time to escape. Smoke inhalation, structural collapse, and delayed emergency response can tragically turn a manageable incident into a deadly one.
“This is a heartbreaking loss for the Port Orchard community,” says Vanessa Waldref, attorney at Singleton Schreiber. “As an advocate for families, my heart goes out to those mourning Carlin and Jayden.
Our firm has helped families across Washington navigate the complex aftermath of house fires, and we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable when tragedy could have been prevented.”
Legal Recourse After a Fatal House Fire
When a house fire results in a fatality, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if the fire was caused or worsened by negligence. Potentially liable parties could include:
- A landlord or property owner, if they failed to provide working smoke detectors, safe wiring, or proper maintenance
- A utility provider, in cases involving gas or electrical malfunctions
- Product manufacturers, if the fire was sparked by a defective appliance or device
- A contractor or builder, if poor construction or code violations played a role in the fire’s spread
- A neighbor or third party, if the fire was started due to illegal fireworks or negligent behavior during Fourth of July celebrations
Through a wrongful death claim, families may be able to seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, emotional pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages.
If your family has suffered the unimaginable loss of a loved one due to a house fire, contact Singleton Schreiber today to learn more about your rights and how we may be able to help.