Columbus County Mother Charged With Manslaughter After Deadly House Fire Kills Four Daughters in Chadbourn
A Columbus County mother is facing multiple felony charges after a horrific house fire claimed the lives of her four young daughters. Authorities have charged 28-year-old Reagan Noelle Powers in connection to the August 30, 2025, blaze that tore through a home on North Colony Road near Chadbourn, North Carolina.
The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. and by the time emergency responders arrived—just nine minutes after the initial 911 call—the residence was fully engulfed in flames. Due to the intensity of the fire, firefighters were unable to enter the home safely.
Four sisters, all girls aged 2, 4, 6, and 7, were tragically killed in the fire.
Two other children, both 12-year-olds, managed to escape the blaze without any physical injuries.
On September 10, 2025, Reagan Noelle Powers was formally charged with the following:
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Four counts of involuntary manslaughter
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Four counts of negligent child abuse causing serious injury
During her first court appearance, Powers was informed that she could face up to 59 months per involuntary manslaughter charge, and 88 months per child abuse charge. She was given a $400,000 secured bond, which she posted an hour after her arrest, according to WWAYTV3.
FATHER OF THE CHILDREN SPEAKS OUT
Patrick Ellis, the biological father of the four deceased children, released an emotional statement earlier this month:
“I want to sincerely thank the people of Chadbourn and the surrounding communities for the incredible love, prayers, and support you have show my family during this devastating time. Your compassion has been a comfort to us as we grieve the loss of my four children.”
Ellis also warned the public not to donate to any fundraisers currently circulating online, confirming that no official fundraiser has been approved by the family.
