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Greenwood house fire survivor's family speaks out about tragedy

Bill's daughters told 5NEWS that he suffered life-threatening injuries, and the likelihood of him surviving is slim.

GREENWOOD, Arkansas — The fourth victim and lone survivor of a Greenwood house fire that killed three people on Oct. 30 has been identified by his family and is currently clinging to life.

Victims of the fire include 18-year-old Isaiah Arrington, 5-year-old Vivian Medrano, and their mother, 46-year-old Wendy Medrano.

Greenwood police reported after the fire that a fourth victim had been hospitalized but not identified to the public. However, he has been identified to 5NEWS as Bill Addington. 

"Bill loved her and her children," his daughter Anna Marie Addington said.

Bill's daughters told 5NEWS that he was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and the likelihood of him surviving is slim. Now, they want to tell his story and let people know just how much he loved his family.

"This is all so hard for all of us. Bill is not aware, that we know of, that Wendy or the children passed," Anna Marie said. "At this time, we have no further details until our dad is able to tell us."

Bill's daughter Brook Mays said that Wendy was his life.

"Wendy was his high school sweetheart. He’s known her since they were 14 years old. He loved her and her children," Brook said, explaining that Bill had just moved from Florida to be with her and make it official.

"Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see her walk down the aisle with our dad, but we know she’s waiting at the gates of Heaven for him. We want Isiah, Vivian, and Wendy’s family members to know we care for them and we’re praying so hard," Brook added.

Both daughters said EMS informed them that Bill was calling Wendy's name and asking if the children and his fiancé were okay.

"At this time, we’re not sure if our dad knows they’ve passed away, and we may not ever know," Brook said.

Bill is currently on a ventilator, suffering from a collapsed lung, pneumonia, emphysema, a broken neck, a broken back, and multiple broken ribs.

Brook said her dad's throat and lungs could possibly be burnt and he may be paralyzed from the waist down. The family is currently waiting to hear back on the severity of the burns.

They say more than anything they want people to know their father's name.

In addition to Anna Marie and Brook, Bill has another daughter, Amber, and six granddaughters. The family said they want to allow Wendy’s family to mourn throughout this horrible situation.

The cause of the fire is still unknown, but officials said they are still investigating, and the victims' bodies have been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab.

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