Central Arkansas Family Mourns After Deadly House Fire

49-year-old Mozella Price died in the blaze, while her daughter and grandson escaped.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:12am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred electrical outlet against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into the suspected electrical cause of a deadly house fire.The investigation into a deadly house fire in central Arkansas focuses on potential electrical issues as the suspected cause.Little Rock Today

A central Arkansas family is in mourning after a deadly house fire claimed the life of 49-year-old Mozella Price. Price's daughter and grandson were able to escape the blaze, but Price did not survive. Her brother, Shawn Crutchfield, described her as the 'heart of the family' and said the family has also lost their childhood home that had been in the family for generations.

Why it matters

House fires are a tragic and all-too-common occurrence, often with devastating consequences for families. This story highlights the emotional toll on a tight-knit family who lost a beloved member and their generational home in the blaze. It also raises questions about potential fire hazards and the importance of fire safety, especially in older homes.

The details

According to authorities, the fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the home where Mozella Price lived. Price's daughter and grandson were able to escape, but Price did not survive. Her brother, Shawn Crutchfield, said the family believes an electrical issue in Price's room may have sparked the blaze. The Little Rock Fire Department is still investigating the exact cause of the fire.

  • The fire occurred early Tuesday morning.
  • Mozella Price died from injuries sustained in the fire.

The players

Mozella Price

A 49-year-old woman who died in the house fire. Crutchfield described her as the 'heart of the family'.

Shawn Crutchfield

Mozella Price's brother, who is mourning the loss of his sister and their childhood home.

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What they’re saying

“'She was the heart of the family, the memories of the family, the love of the family, the phenomenal woman. I mean, the list can go on and on.'”

— Shawn Crutchfield, Mozella Price's brother

“'[Doctors] said, 'we tried all we can try.' After that, my heart just faded.'”

— Shawn Crutchfield, Mozella Price's brother

What’s next

The Little Rock Fire Department is still investigating the cause of the fire.

The takeaway

This tragic house fire has devastated a central Arkansas family, highlighting the emotional toll of losing a loved one and a family home. The investigation into the cause of the blaze will be crucial to understanding how to prevent similar tragedies in the future and ensure the safety of older homes.