One Dead in Christmas Eve House Fire on Merritt Island; Cause Under Investigation

fire happened on Whaley Drive around 11:30 a.m.

BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Authorities are investigating a Christmas Eve house fire on Merritt Island that left one person dead.

Emergency crews responded to a home on Whaley Drive around 11:30 a.m., where flames had reportedly started inside a bedroom. Others inside the residence were able to escape without injury, officials said.

Family members and friends identified the victim as Holly Marchica, remembered by loved ones as a devoted grandmother.

A GoFundMe page has been created in her memory to help support the family as they cope with the loss, noting her commitment to those she cared for throughout her life.

Investigators are working to determine what caused the fire and what circumstances may have contributed to the fatal incident.

No further details have yet been released.

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