Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Doctor in Plantation House Fire
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Dr. Karen Ruthman
A Plantation community is shaken after a fire ripped through a home early Thursday, killing a doctor who many described as sweet and friendly.
Neighbors Pay Tribute to Dr. Ruthman
A bouquet of roses sat outside the entrance of Dr. Karen Ruthman’s home on Thursday night. Just steps away, inspectors left orange stickers to mark the home as an unsafe structure. Neighbors and friends gathered outside to pay their respects to the beloved doctor.
"She was an amazing person. Infectious, I would say. Just pure love," said Aimee Laclaustra, a friend of Dr. Ruthman. "There was nothing bad about her. She inspired our community."
Investigation Underway
A death investigation is underway after a Weston doctor was found dead in a fire at her Plantation home. Neighbors identified Dr. Ruthman, a local family medicine physician, as the person who died in a house fire before 4 a.m. on Northwest 124th Avenue and 23rd Court.
Witness Accounts
Vivian Dingman, who lives across the lake, described Dr. Ruthman as "always sweet and friendly." Her daughter saw smoke and flames nearby, and Dingman said she and her family looked out their window to see the house engulfed in flames.
"You could hear the glass breaking all over the place," Dingman said.
Firefighters Responded to Call
Plantation Fire Rescue showed up to the home engulfed in flames and found a woman unresponsive inside. Investigators said Dr. Ruthman was the only one home at the time. Her husband, Dr. Barrington Murray, was not home when firefighters got there.
Conclusion
The community is still reeling from the loss of Dr. Ruthman, who was described as a kind and caring person. As the investigation continues, loved ones and colleagues are left to mourn the loss of a life cut short.
FAQs
Q: Who was Dr. Karen Ruthman?
A: Dr. Ruthman was a local family medicine physician who practiced in Weston.
Q: What happened in the fire?
A: A fire broke out at Dr. Ruthman’s home in Plantation before 4 a.m. on Thursday. She was found unresponsive inside, and was pronounced dead.
Q: Is an investigation underway?
A: Yes, a death investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and Dr. Ruthman’s death.
Q: Was Dr. Ruthman’s husband home at the time of the fire?
A: No, Dr. Barrington Murray, Dr. Ruthman’s husband, was not home when firefighters arrived.
