A devastating incident unfolded in Reedsburg, Wisconsin, as a 19-year-old woman, Paige Ruddy, lost her life in a house fire that occurred on what was meant to be her wedding day. Paige and her fiancé, Logan Mitchell-Carter, had exchanged vows the previous night and had intended to celebrate their union with a wedding ceremony at the Sauk County Courthouse the following day, surrounded by their loved ones, as revealed by Paige’s family to WMTV News.
Unfortunately, a fire broke out in the residence where Paige and Logan had been residing with Logan’s grandparents, who owned the house. Paige suffered from smoke inhalation during the incident and was immediately hospitalized. Tragically, she succumbed to a brain hemorrhage caused by the smoke inhalation the following day, on Wednesday.
According to the preliminary investigation conducted by the Sauk County Coroner’s office, Paige’s cause of death was attributed to smoke inhalation. The family expressed their belief that the house lacked functioning smoke detectors and urged others to ensure the safety of their homes by double-checking their own smoke detectors.
Paige’s family and friends shared heartwarming memories of her as a compassionate and independent young woman. Her aunt, Holly, described her as a precious human being who had an undeniable presence that enriched the lives of those around her. “There was nothing about her that you couldn’t like,” Holly expressed to WMTV. She further praised Paige’s infectious smile, stating, “Her smile was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. She was always there to help anyone.”
Lily Markgraf, a close friend who graduated from high school with Paige, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Paige’s caring nature. Lily recalled how Paige selflessly offered her help to anyone in need, regardless of her personal feelings toward them. “I’m going to miss her for the rest of my life,” Lily lamented.
Paige had recently graduated from Reedsburg Area High School in June 2022 and had plans to enroll in a Veterinary Technician program at Madison Area Technical College in the coming fall. Her aspirations and bright future were abruptly cut short by this tragic event, leaving her loved ones mourning the loss of a compassionate soul taken too soon.
