View Full Version : Special Foces soldier dies trying to save daughters in house fire.
Streck-Fu
03-06-2012, 13:49
RIP.
A most sincere condolences to the surviving wife and mother: LINK (http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_NC_FAILED_FIRE_RESCUE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-03-06-13-03-50)
Special Forces soldier dies trying to save NC kids
By MICHAEL BIESECKER and EMERY P. DALESIO
Associated Press
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HOPE MILLS, N.C. (AP) -- A decorated Green Beret who returned from his fifth deployment to Afghanistan last summer died Tuesday trying to rescue his two young daughters from their burning home near Fort Bragg. The girls were also killed in the blaze.
Edward Cantrell and his wife escaped from the 2 a.m. blaze by jumping from the home's second floor, the Cumberland County sheriff's office said. Cantrell then wrapped himself in a blanket and re-entered the burning home in Hope Mills, about 10 miles from the Army base that is home to the Green Berets and other Special Forces units, sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Tanna said.
Cantrell, 36, was trying to reach 6-year-old Isabella and 4-year-old Natalia, who were trapped in second-floor bedrooms, Tanna said.
"He never made it back out," Tanna said. Firefighters found their bodies inside the home, Tanna said.
The house was built in 1920. Tanna said the old home's timbers were likely very dry, causing a fast-moving blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A sign at the end of the driveway blocked with yellow police tape says "The Cantrells Est. Feb. 7, 2004." Bouquets of flowers and two teddy bears had been placed there.
Louise Cantrell was being treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation. The family dog, a Rottweiler named Sasha, also survived the fire and was being kept by neighbors.
Cantrell was a member of the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg. He held the rank of chief warrant officer 2, which authorized Cantrell to lead half of his 12-member Green Beret team if it was split up, said Lt. Col. April Olsen, a spokeswoman for Army Special Forces Command.
Cantrell joined the Army in 1994 and had one combat deployment to Iraq and five to Afghanistan, returning from the last mission in August, Olsen said. His record included four Bronze Stars and one Purple Heart, awarded for wounds suffered in a war zone, Olsen said. Details of the acts that earned the medals were not immediately available, she said.
"There are no words to express the sorrow felt in our close-knit community when a family suffers such a tragedy," the command said on its Facebook page.
Isabella attended nearby Ed V. Baldwin Elementary School. Principal Todd Yardis said the girl's teacher and a grief counselor broke the news of what happened to her classmates shortly after they arrived in the morning.
Yardis said both Cantrell parents had been very active at the school, with Edward Cantrell sometimes stopping by in his Army uniform. He recounted how excited the young girl was when her father returned home from his most recent tour of duty.
"Bella was a very happy, loving girl," Yardis said. "She was one of those students who would run up and hug you around the leg when you passed her class in the hall."
Yardis said Cantrell was a hero for trying to save his girls. The father had recently spoken about retiring from the service, rather than returning overseas and being separated from his family again.
"He talked about wanting to get out of the military and opening his own business," Yardis said. "He wanted to open a tattoo parlor."
Cindy Jacobs, who works at an assisted living home next door, said Louise Cantrell ran to the facility during the fire to get the staff to call 911. Jacobs said she knew the family, especially the mother, who would often stop to make small talk as she drove by. The two girls were often in the car or outside playing.
"She was with those girls all the time," said Jacobs, the executive director of the ARC of Hope Mills. "It's so sad. I can't imagine what she's going through."
Jacobs said she learned Edward Cantrell was in the military when investigators visited to ask about him as part of the procedure for getting a top secret security clearance.
"We knew he was Special Forces," Jacobs said. "He was just a heck of a guy. Very, very friendly."
The girls were energetic children, said Jacobs, who has an active-duty son in the Navy and whose husband is a civilian employee at Fort Bragg. "They were just adorable little girls," she said.
Sad News
A father and his children - RIP.
Prayers for the Wife/Mother and family.
Brave man and Father...RIP Chief
RichL025
03-06-2012, 14:12
Dear Lord, what a horrible way to go.
Chief Cantrell died like a warrior and will be remembered as such.
My condolences to his family & those who knew him...
RL
A horrible tragedy - may God bless.
lssah2025
03-06-2012, 14:28
I assume this is an appropriate post and not against OPSEC, if so please move or remove..
Special Forces soldier dies trying to save NC kids..
HOPE MILLS, N.C. (AP) — A decorated Green Beret who returned from his fifth deployment to Afghanistan last summer died Tuesday trying to rescue his two young daughters from their burning home near Fort Bragg. The girls were also killed in the blaze.
Edward Cantrell and his wife escaped from the 1 a.m. blaze by jumping from the home's second floor, the Cumberland County sheriff's office said. Cantrell then wrapped himself in a blanket and re-entered the burning home in Hope Mills, about 10 miles from the Army base that is home to the Green Berets and other Special Forces units, sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Tanna said.
Cantrell, 36, was trying to reach 6-year-old Isabella and 4-year-old Natalia, who were trapped in second-floor bedrooms, Tanna said.
"He never made it back out," Tanna said. Firefighters found their bodies inside the home, Tanna said.
The house was built in 1920. Tanna said the old home's timbers were likely very dry, causing a fast-moving blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
A sign at the end of the driveway blocked with yellow police tape says "The Cantrells Est. Feb. 7, 2004." Bouquets of flowers and two teddy bears had been placed nearby.
Firefighters from Cotton Volunteer Fire Department, which is less than two miles away, were on the scene within four minutes of receiving the dispatch call. Assistant Chief Kevin Dove said the house was already engulfed in flames.
"They perished before our arrival," said Dove, a veteran firefighter. "It was horrible."
The three bodies were all recovered on the second floor, he said. It did not appear the father was able to reach the girls.
Louise Cantrell was treated and released from a Fayetteville hospital for smoke inhalation, Dove said. The family dog, a Rottweiler named Sasha, also survived the fire and was being kept by neighbors.
Cantrell was a member of the 3rd Special Forces Group at Fort Bragg. He held the rank of chief warrant officer 2, which authorized Cantrell to lead half of his 12-member Green Beret team if it was split up, said Lt. Col. April Olsen, a spokeswoman for Army Special Forces Command.
Cantrell joined the Army in 1994 and had one combat deployment to Iraq and five to Afghanistan, returning from the last mission in August, Olsen said. His record included four Bronze Stars and one Purple Heart, awarded for wounds suffered in a war zone, Olsen said. Details of the acts that earned the medals were not immediately available, she said.
"There are no words to express the sorrow felt in our close-knit community when a family suffers such a tragedy," the command said on its Facebook page.
Isabella attended nearby Ed V. Baldwin Elementary School. Principal Todd Yardis said the girl's teacher and a grief counselor broke the news of what happened to her classmates shortly after they arrived in the morning.
Yardis said both Cantrell parents had been very active at the school, with Edward Cantrell sometimes stopping by in his Army uniform. He recounted how excited the young girl was when her father returned home from his most recent tour of duty.
"Bella was a very happy, loving girl," Yardis said. "She was one of those students who would run up and hug you around the leg when you passed her class in the hall."
Yardis said Cantrell was a hero for trying to save his girls. The father had recently spoken about retiring from the service, rather than returning overseas and being separated from his family again.
"He talked about wanting to get out of the military and opening his own business," Yardis said. "He wanted to open a tattoo parlor."
Cindy Jacobs, who works at an assisted living home next door, said Louise Cantrell ran to the facility during the fire to get the staff to call 911. Jacobs said she knew the family, especially the mother, who would often stop to make small talk as she drove by. The two girls were often in the car or outside playing.
"She was with those girls all the time," said Jacobs, the executive director of the ARC of Hope Mills. "It's so sad. I can't imagine what she's going through."
Jacobs said she learned Edward Cantrell was in the military when investigators visited to ask about him as part of the procedure for getting a top secret security clearance.
"We knew he was Special Forces," Jacobs said. "He was just a heck of a guy. Very, very friendly."
The girls were energetic children, said Jacobs, who has an active-duty son in the Navy and whose husband is a civilian employee at Fort Bragg. "They were just adorable little girls," she said.
http://news.yahoo.com/special-forces-soldier-dies-trying-save-nc-kids-154514032.html
Heart Wrenching, Prayers Out for the Cantrell Family.
Snaquebite
03-06-2012, 14:55
Three seperate threads merged.
Rest in Peace
Prayers to the wife.
Hillclimb
03-06-2012, 15:03
Placing the safety and needs of others before himself, a true warrior and hero.
rest in piece, warrior.
Rip Warrior and your children, Vaya con Dios..
Prayers to the family..
Sacamuelas
03-06-2012, 15:21
RIP
Difficult to even read that article... :(
Prayers for the surviving family members.
Tweeder11
03-06-2012, 15:30
RIP. Prayers out. Blue skies. Condolences to family and friends.
This risked everything for his country and died trying to save his family. QP you are my hero.
Humbly in your presence,
Tweeder
Old Dog New Trick
03-06-2012, 15:47
Very sad :(:(:(
Rest In Peace Chief and his two little girls, prayers to the family. :(
Abu Jack
03-06-2012, 15:53
Rest In Peace
Tatonka316
03-06-2012, 16:31
Rest in Peace, Chief. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice for your children. You will ALWAYS be missed and NEVER forgotten.
molon labe
I can't possibly imagine what you do after this. So Sad. RIP.
That's a damn shame. Was very saddened when I heard it on the news this AM...
You gave it your best Chief...
RIP to you and your daughters..
Sincere condolences to his family and friends..
Immense bravery.
Rest in peace. Condolences to the surviving family.
rubberneck
03-06-2012, 16:50
I can't think of a more fitting tribute to a man than to recognize that he was so willing to give his life to protect those he loved. My his wife find peace and may he and his children rest in eternal peace.
DIYPatriot
03-06-2012, 17:03
My God, that rips my heart open. I'm a father and can't imagine what was going through his mind other than doing absolutely everything necessary to save his little girls. I'll be praying for his family, friends and brotherhood for a longtime.
Surgicalcric
03-06-2012, 17:37
RIP Brother.
My prayers out to both his families.
Crip
Roguish Lawyer
03-06-2012, 17:43
RIP, what a tragedy.
Sir may you and your daughters rest in sweet deserved peace and may Louise recover.
longrange1947
03-06-2012, 18:00
Rest in Peace Chief. Prayers for you and your young daughters. May your loved ones find peace.
This is horrible...I pray that your wife and mom finds peace and that you and the girls rest forever in Gods hands..
Baht Dog
03-06-2012, 18:11
Incredibly tragic. So very sad. It hits us all right in the gut.
He died with great honor, a warrior to the end.
Prayers and deepest condolences for his surviving spouse and extended family as well as to 3rd SFG(A).
"No more tears, in heaven"
greenberetTFS
03-06-2012, 18:22
God Bless,Rest in Peace Chief with your two little ones.............:(
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft star-shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
Very sad,very sad indeed..... However,if this life is all there was,then we would have to believe that it's all over for them....... :( But,we know it isn't,and thats why we give out our prayers to his dear wife and family.......:(
Big Teddy
greenberetTFS
03-06-2012, 18:53
*
The Reaper
03-06-2012, 19:04
RIP, Chief and your little ones.
Thank you for your service to your greateful nation, and your sacrifice for your family.
You set the standard high, and knowing the risk, paid the ultimate price while trying to save your children. This will not be forgotten, brother.
You are what a warrior, and a hero should be. Way to man up.
I hope that your journey was swift, and you are at peace with your girls tonight in the afterlife.
Prayers out for you, and the girls, and your wife who must carry on without you.
May God's hands hold you all close tonight.
Adios, hermano.
TR
Ghost_Team
03-06-2012, 19:34
Rest in Peace.
Peregrino
03-06-2012, 19:46
Rest in Peace Chief. May you and your daughters find eternal comfort together in God's arms. Prayers and condolences for his wife and mother, may they find the strength to heal and continue on.
tom kelly
03-06-2012, 19:55
Rest in Peace Chief, with your Daughter's in GOD'S Heaven....TK
69harley
03-06-2012, 20:11
Dam this sucks. What a way to go. RIP Chief.
Rest in Peace Chief with your daughters at your side.
Prayers out to your family and friends.....
Rest in Peace Chief, May God Bless and keep you and your daughter's always
Dragbag036
03-06-2012, 20:25
Words cannot express the feeling on such a horrible occasion. The sadness of life lost, young and old, and the pride of a father giving the ultimate sacrifice for his family. RIP Brother, may God grant you all safe passage into his Kingdom.
2018commo
03-06-2012, 20:27
Rest in Peace, Sir
Masochist
03-06-2012, 20:27
Absolutely tragic. RIP Chief, and prayers out to the family.
Read about this earlier today, it is gut wrenching and such a tragedy. My prayers are with family and friends. I cannot imagine... :(
Horrible, heart-wrenching news. Prayers for Louise. RIP little ones. RIP, sir.
S.
So tragic, yet so amazing your courage, Sir. RIP with your beautiful daughters. May your wife and families feel peace from the prayers of all of us.
PedOncoDoc
03-07-2012, 04:51
A tragic loss. :(
Thank you for your service and sacrifice - your love for your family is an example for us all. Prayers out to your wife.
Bordercop
03-07-2012, 06:28
Rest in Peace. Prayers for the wife and family.
kingfish
03-07-2012, 07:22
RIP Brother. You died a hero among heroes and will not soon be forgotten as you live on in the memory and hearts of those left behind. Eternal peace is yours, with your daughters forever in your arms. Our prayers go out to your familiy. DOL
Goggles Pizano
03-07-2012, 07:31
My God this is tragic. My prayers to the family.
In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti amen.
In pace requiescat to you and your lovely daughters Chief.
Dominus vobiscum.
RIP Chief, Prayers out to the wife and family.
Barbarian
03-07-2012, 11:33
What terrible news.
Rest easy with your girls, Sir.
Prayers out for your family.
RIP Chief and little ones. My prayers go out to the wife/mom, may she find peace during this dark time.
ECUPirate09
03-07-2012, 15:12
Blessed are men like you, a hero at work and at home. May you and your children rest in peace. My thoughts are with your wife as she goes through this dark time.
DevilSide
03-07-2012, 18:30
Felt really bad to read that article, this is really horrible. I wish the best to the family, I've no clue what I would do after something like that.
RIP to the Chief and his girls.
That's a damn shame and saddened by this. Chief, you gave your best.
RIP to you and your daughters.. My sincere condolences to your family and friends.
Soft landings and blue skies
Damn, reading that was like a punch in the stomach. RIP Chief, may you and your daughters be forever together in God's light.
TrapLine
03-08-2012, 19:38
Rest in peace, Chief. May you and your daughters find eternal rest in God's loving hands. Prayers out for his wife and brothers. Heartbreaking.
Red Flag 1
03-08-2012, 20:12
Simply awful news. Rest In God's Peace Chief. Prayers out.
Special Forces soldier, daughters who died in Hope Mills house fire to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery
http://fayobserver.com/articles/2012/03/08/1162667?sac=fo.military
"The Special Forces soldier and his two daughters who died in a fire at their Hope Mills home earlier this week will be buried together in Arlington National Cemetery later this month.
No funeral date was given in the statement issued by the U.S. Army Special Forces Command on Thursday morning.
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edward Cantrell, 36, died Tuesday after getting his wife, Louise, 37, to safety and returning to help his daughters, Isabella, 6, and Natalia, 4, authorities said....................."
Saturation
03-10-2012, 08:44
Always the protector...
Prayers to his wife as she endures the most searing pain of loss and hope for her continued support.
LongWire
03-12-2012, 08:47
RIP Brother......Blue Skies
ALCON,
Please distro all individuals interested.
Thank you for your benevolence!
Instructions to donate to the family of fallen Special Forces soldier, CW2 Duane Cantrell:
Mail in checks should be sent to:
Special Forces Association Chapter 100
c/o Duane Cantrell
4214 Callery Knoll Ct
Fayetteville, NC 28306
To donate online:
Option One: Go to the Special Forces Association Website: http://www.specialforcesassociation.org/donations/emergency-relief-fund/ and click on the Left "Donate" button to donate to the SFA Emergency Relief Fund. That will take you to the donation page. After you fill out the information, click "review donation and continue." On the verification page, there is an option to "Please specify the fund you chose." Type: For Louise Cantrell. This will ensure your donation reaches the correct family.
Option Two: Visit the Special Forces Charitable Trust at: https://secure.etransfer.com/donation/donation1.cfm?CFID=7146717&CFTOKEN=6e02e3c476cd67e7-F36E3FA6-1279-93C8-166CCD6FCDCFEABC&d2org=SFCT&d2tool=donate If the above link does not work, please go to http://specialforcescharitabletrust.org/contact and click the red “Donate” button and that should take you to the donation page. From there, fill out the applicable information and in the drop down box labeled “Apply my Gift to” click on “To the family of the fallen SF hero 3/6/12.” That will ensure your donation reaches the correct family.
keeper36
03-14-2012, 16:01
Absolutely heartbreaking. Our thoughts & prayers are with his wife. May God grant her peace and strength for the difficult days ahead. Chief Cantrell was and is a hero. RIP
Out and just checked to see if this was posted. If your in the area, well worth the trip. BBQ is tasty.
The public is invited to Hellas sports bar Saturday in Hope Mills for a barbecue to benefit for the family of Army Special Forces soldier Edward Duane Cantrell and his two young daughters.
http://m.fayobserver.com/articles?path=/articles/2012/03/23/1166328
As the paper says.. this is a all day event. Most raffles you don't need to stay all day for too.
greenberetTFS
04-02-2012, 20:17
Gone,but not forgotten.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn_iz...eature=related
God Bless,Rest in Peace Warrior.....:(
He was just a simple soldier and his ranks are growing thin
But his presence should remind us; we may need his like again,
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.......:(
Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that might say:
OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A SOLDIER DIED TODAY. (author unknown)
The passing of our soldiers often go unnoticed and unsung by most of the world, remembered only by family and friends. Wish it were not so. May he RIP, his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.........:(
I realize it's a Canadian song,however I believe most appropriate for this occasion...:(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrkgV5bl7kQ
Big Teddy