Mom Dies Trying to Save Her 2 Adult Children in Deadly Ohio House Fire

The blaze also killed Mary Ann Schwartz's two children, aged 32 and 23, who had disabilities.

Published on Feb. 2, 2026

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On January 17, 2026, a fire broke out in Mary Ann Schwartz's Cincinnati, Ohio home while she was cooking dinner. Schwartz, 68, ran back into the burning home to try to save her two adult children, 32-year-old Sol Archambault and 23-year-old Aislynne Coffaro, who both had disabilities. Despite neighbors' attempts to reach them, the fire spread too quickly, and all three perished in the blaze. Schwartz's son, Dylan Schwartz Archambault, is now remembering his mother's heroism in trying to save her children.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of house fires and the challenges faced by families caring for loved ones with disabilities. It also underscores the selfless actions of parents who will risk their own lives to save their children. The fire has devastated the local community and raised questions about fire safety and support for caretakers.

The details

According to officials, the fire started in the home's kitchen while Mary Ann Schwartz was cooking dinner. Realizing the danger, Schwartz ran outside to get help before going back inside to try to rescue her two adult children, Sol Archambault and Aislynne Coffaro, who both had disabilities. Despite neighbors' efforts to reach the family and douse the flames, the fire spread too quickly, and all three perished. Firefighters found two victims dead inside the home and a critically injured woman, later identified as Schwartz, on the second floor. She died upon arrival at the hospital. The Cincinnati Fire Department said the conditions inside the home were "not survivable".

  • On Saturday, January 17, 2026, a fire broke out in Mary Ann Schwartz's Cincinnati home.
  • Just after 7 p.m. local time, firefighters rushed to the 4000 block of North Edgewood Avenue following reports of the fire.

The players

Mary Ann Schwartz

A 68-year-old woman who died trying to save her two adult children from a fire in their Cincinnati, Ohio home.

Sol Archambault

Mary Ann Schwartz's 32-year-old son who perished in the house fire.

Aislynne Coffaro

Mary Ann Schwartz's 23-year-old daughter who perished in the house fire.

Dylan Schwartz Archambault

Mary Ann Schwartz's surviving son who is remembering his mother's heroism.

Cincinnati Fire Department

The fire department that responded to the blaze and said the conditions inside the home were "not survivable".

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What they’re saying

“She's always been someone to care for others and go above and beyond to help everyone out as much as she can.”

— Dylan Schwartz Archambault, Mary Ann Schwartz's son (FOX affiliate WXIX)

“Although we only had a few short years working with Mary Ann, her joyful spirit, charitable heart, and generous compassion will continue to inspire our hearts and minds for years to come.”

— GoFundMe organizer (GoFundMe)

What’s next

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the importance of fire safety, especially for families caring for loved ones with disabilities. It also highlights the selfless actions of parents who will risk their own lives to save their children, and the devastating impact such losses can have on a community.