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Student in beach house blaze mourned
2007-11-02
A college student who was among seven killed in a North Carolina beach house fire was remembered as someone who easily made friends and was "the center of gravity" when he walked in a room. The pastor who spoke at 18-year-old William Rhea's funeral Thursday also told his brother, Andrew, 19, not to blame himself for escaping the fire when his brother could not. "Seven young people were taken in the prime of their lives and six others experienced an event that will forever change their lives," Florence First Presbyterian Pastor Barry Jenkins said. The house where the brothers were staying in Ocean Isle Beach, N.C., was engulfed flames early Sunday morning, a tragic conclusion to a weekend that was supposed to have been for enjoying the last of the season's good beach weather. Randy Thompson, director of emergency service for Brunswick County, N.C., said a report was expected from the State Bureau of Investigation on Friday afternoon. Ocean Isle Mayor Debbie Smith said the town would release whatever information it received. Funeral services for Lauren Mahon, another one of the six University of South Carolina students who perished, were scheduled for Friday, as were services for Emily Yelton, the lone Clemson student who died. At Rhea's funeral, the church pews were overflowing and hundreds more gathered in a hall next door to pay tribute. Rows of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity brothers stood watch as the casket was taken from the church. Jenkins said the survivors must focus on the happiness that William brought to the people who knew him. Mourners recalled his crooked smile, soulful eyes and ability to make friends with everyone he met. "Will was the center of gravity in any room he was in," said Robert Veto, the headmaster of private Trinity Collegiate High School, where the brothers went to school. "In any picture of Will you see, it's clear that all the action is revolving around Will." Will played basketball, baseball and golf. He was also a lifeguard at a nearby country club. Veto recalled that while Will had the ability to "drive his coaches and teachers crazy" with his high spirits, he also exuded a love for his family and a special bond with his brother that many envied. Investigators have been working to determine what caused the blaze, and were focusing earlier in the week on a back deck. ___ Associated Press Writer Estes Thompson in Raleigh, N.C., contributed to this report.
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