April 1, 2026 - Structure Fire

The Sheriff's Office has identified the victims of a residential structure fire at 321 Cortland Road, Freeville, NY (Town of Dryden):

Another resident family member, David Welch, age 54, was transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse and is in stable condition.

David Welch rents the property with his wife, who was not at home at the time of the fire. Their niece, Ms. Oralls, and her daughter, Paisley, resided with them. Another niece, Katherine Gray, was visiting the residence from Whitney Point, NY.

It is also suspected that four pet dogs perished; however, only one has been located at this time. We will continue to investigate the cause and origin of the fire with the help of NYS Fire Investigators.

Our hearts are with the family, and everyone affected by this devastating fire. On behalf of the Sheriff's Office, we extend our deepest condolences. This is a heartbreaking loss for our community.

On today's date, 04/01/2026, at approximately 10:08 AM, deputies responded to a structure fire of a single-family residential property located in the 300 block of Cortland Road in the Town of Dryden. Upon arrival, the home was completely engulfed.

At this time, it is suspected that there were occupants inside the home who were unable to exit, and we suspect that victims most likely died as a result.

At this time, the fire is still being worked on by the Dryden Fire Department, with the support of numerous others. 

Once the property can be entered, further investigation will be conducted as to the occupants and the cause of the fire. More information will be made available as the investigation commences.

The New York State Police and the Dryden Fire Department aided the Sheriff's Office.