In the early hours of Tuesday morning, January 23, 2024, a residential fire in Pickaway County, Ohio claimed the lives of Mark Robinette, 55, a respected pastor, and two of his sons, Gideon, 17, and Liam, 10.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight and was reported to emergency services around 12:30 a.m.
The blaze occurred in the 11000 block of Ballah Road, also known as Township Road 159. The cause of the fire remains unknown and is currently under investigation by the State Fire Marshal’s office.
As the fire engulfed their home, Mark Robinette managed to save his wife, Andrea, and two of their children. However, while attempting to rescue his sons Gideon and Liam, all three perished in the flames.
Mark Robinette, the vocational pastor at Foundation Church in Mount Sterling, was known for his dedication to his faith and community.
He and his wife, Andrea Trapani Robinette, were parents to eight children. The couple and their family had been active in missionary work, particularly in Myanmar, as part of the “Mission to Myanmar” group through their church.
Three other people suffered injuries in the fire. They received treatment at a nearby hospital and were released later that morning. It is unknown whether the injured are family members or firefighters.
A vigil was held Tuesday night, where neighbors and members of the Mount Sterling and Orient communities gathered to honor the Robinettes. The vigil included singing and prayers, reflecting the deep impact of the loss on the community.
Mark Robinette’s contributions extended beyond his pastoral duties. He was committed to helping those in need, focusing his ministry on aiding people who were homeless or struggling with addiction. His altruism and compassion were cornerstones of his life and service.
A GoFundMe page, which has already raised over $37,000, has been organized by a family friend to support the remaining family members affected by this catastrophe.
