A couple identified as Rhonda Spencer, 65, and her husband Timothy Fordham, tragically lost their lives early Wednesday morning following a catastrophic fire at their home located in the Northwest 185 Terrace and 20th Avenue area of northwest Miami Gardens, near the Hard Rock Stadium.
Local media reports indicate that the blaze completely consumed the residence after neighbors and a resident heard a loud explosion. Tamonjamin Williams, the victims' nephew who was also in the house, recounted being awakened by the noise and, while attempting to escape, experienced the collapse of his bedroom ceiling. He managed to flee through the door after contemplating jumping out a window.
The fire was reported around 3:34 a.m. Upon arrival, Miami-Dade firefighters found the house fully engulfed in flames. Emergency crews launched an operation due to the partial collapse of the structure and worked to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby homes. Several people were evacuated, and some neighbors attempted to control the flames from their backyards.
Aerial images captured by local media show the home reduced to rubble, with only a few exterior walls still standing. Initially, a possible gas explosion was investigated as the cause of the blaze. However, Florida City Gas confirmed that the house and nearby homes were not connected to the natural gas service, nor were there any active leak reports in the area.
Family Demands Answers
The tragedy has left the family in mourning, struggling to understand what happened. Rhonda Spencer worked as a supervisor at the Miami-Dade County's Water and Sewer Department and was active in her church. "She was a wonderful person, a Christian woman, hardworking and well-loved," said her sister Jamie Spencer.
Another sister, Marcella, expressed that the loss is doubly painful, as the family had recently buried one of Spencer's children. "It's overwhelming. I always admired her; she was a strong and exemplary sister," she added.
Marvin Jones, the brother of Timothy Fordham, stated, "I'm devastated. There are no words to describe how I feel."
Family members are demanding access to security footage that might clarify the fire's causes. The investigation is being led by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
Understanding the Miami Gardens Tragedy
What caused the fire in Miami Gardens?
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. Initially, a gas explosion was suspected, but it was confirmed that the house and surrounding homes were not connected to natural gas, and there were no active gas leaks reported.
Who were the victims of the fire?
The victims were Rhonda Spencer, 65, and her husband Timothy Fordham. They were well-respected members of their community, with Rhonda working as a supervisor at the Miami-Dade County's Water and Sewer Department.
How did the family members react to the tragedy?
Family members are devastated and in mourning. They are seeking answers and have requested access to security footage to understand the cause of the fire.