Candle believed cause of fire that killed Providence teen
1:52 PM Wed, Sep 10, 2008 | Permalink
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PROVIDENCE -- A candle apparently was the cause of a house fire yesterday that led to the death of a 17-year-old Providence girl. Edith Vargas, a senior at Feinstein High School, was pronounced dead at 12:20 a.m. today, according to a spokeswoman for Rhode Island Hospital. The fire, called in at about 1:30 a.m., started in her bedroom on the second floor and apparently was caused by a lit candle that ignited bedding, Providence Fire Marshal Anthony DiGuilio said today. There were seven others in the house who were not hurt, DiGiulio said yesterday. Edith, who may have been asleep when the fire started, was taken out of the burning room at 127 Merino St. by her father, according to Providence Battalion Chief Daniel Crowley. She suffered burns over 85 percent of her body, including first-, second- and third-degree burns, he said. K.C. Perry, the school's principal, called Edith "a unique student" who made friends in every clique without belonging to any of them. Edith made her own clothing and was active at both New Urban Arts and AS220, two local arts scenes. Several students approached Perry today and said that Edith was the first person who smiled at them and made them feel welcome. "Everyone liked her," Perry said. "She was a real connector." He also said that Edith was a good student who planned on attending a four-year college and that she loved music and dancing. Teacher Melissa Parkerson said yesterday that Edith had "a strong sense of individuality," would change her hair color from time to time, and liked to wear clothing different from that of her classmates. Parkerson described her as an artsy teen with an independent spirit. Students at Feinstein, a small high school that features a curriculum based on public service, are grouped in teams, and Parkerson was one of the teachers assigned to Edith's team during the past school year. Perry said he met with the senior class this morning to tell them about the fire, only to find out moments later that Edith had died. Then he turned around and went back to speak with them again. -- projo.com staff writer Brandie M. Jefferson with reports from Journal staff writer Linda Borg Kim Rose, spokeswoman for the Providence schools, said this morning that a team of grief counselors has been sent to the school, where they will be working with the grieving student body. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," she said. The counselors are visiting individual classes this afternoon and will be available tomorrow and next week, if needed. Edith was supposed to attend the annual fall camping trip with her senior class today. Although the seniors did go camping, Perry said that they will come back tomorrow afternoon instead of Friday in order to attend the wake. The wake is tomorrow from 6 to 9 p.m. at Bells Funeral Home. 
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Edith was an amazing student. She always came into music class with a bright spirit and a willingness to learn. She excelled at the classical guitar and was very excited to learn how to play her favorite songs on the guitar. Edith LOVED music! She used to work at the AS220, which is a place in Providence that would allow local artists to play. She loved going to see shows at the AS220. I always looked forward to the days that I had Edith in class, those were always some of my best days! Edith was in the very first class that I ever taught, I will never forget how she tried to make me feel warm and welcome when most other students didn't. Edith was an exceptional spirit with a heart of gold that I will never forget.
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The loss of Edith has created a huge hole in our school's community. She was a gentle soul, talented artist and wise beyond her years. We will miss Edith's dimpled smile, forever a memory etched on our hearts.
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I never met this young lady but she sounds like a wonderful lady, with a bright future ahead of her. It is unfortunate that the good ones die young. I hope her friends and classmates will honor her by commiting themselves to be successful in their own lives.
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Lamentando el terrible dolor que esta atravezando su familia; Mi corazon esta con ustedes. Que Dios les de la fortaleza a su alma para poder resistir este inmenso dolor. Que Dios les bendiga a todos!.
I'm sorry for this horrible pain the family is going through. My heart is with you all. May you find strengh in our souls to be able to cope with such pain. God bless you all!.
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Edith was one of my good friends. She was always with me and Jestine. I will be at the wake today, and the funeral tomorrow.
But I will never forget this.
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We all miss her very much. We LOVE YOU Edith RIP. You will never be forgotten you will always be in our prayers and hearts.I miss you Cousin. But now your at rest and God knows why he took you from us, God knows what he is doing and why he is doing it. He gives the life and he takes it. REST IN PEACE. I LOVE YOU!
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Edith was a good friend of mines and a great friend. We have been friends ever since middle school, and we always had fun together. Going to the mall, trying on dresses always made her smile.Edith was always smiling which made others smile as well. She was very loving and cared a lot about other people. Edith you will truly be missed, I love you and will never forget you.
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I am going to copy some thing from one of her friends:
"You will certainly be missed Edith, I loved
yur cool & bubbly personality, yur
unique, hot & stylish, wardrobes & spiffy hair; you did not have a problem on being
yurself. I had some pretty good times
with you, & it was also fun showing off
our own garments we made together at the fashion w/ the weird flower things Rose made us rock while up on stage :'(" -christel rosario
Thant explains everything I feel as well I couldn't have said it better my self
Love,Peace,and Hair Grease
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I love You Nena!!! There is no way to explain how I feel... You are the most beautiful person I know inside and out. I can't wait to be with you again. You are the best little sister anyone could ever have. I say everything in present tense because in my heart you are still with me... I can see your beautiful smile right now clearly infront of me before we all went to bed, you laughed at me and said goodnight to us, that vivid moment I will cherish forever!!!
I LOVE YOU
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Edith was a great person to be around, when i came down to providence for shows she was usually around. she had a whimsical insouciance about her, a very carefree way of living which i think we all could take time out for. she will be missed by those that knew her, near and far.
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