Woman who died in Florida casino boat fire grew up in Beachwood, uncle says

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Woman who died in Florida casino boat fire grew up in Beachwood, uncle says

PORT RICHEY, Florida - A 42-year-old woman who died after a casino shuttle boat caught fire off Florida's Gulf Coast was a Northeast Ohio native who grew up in Beachwood, a family member said.

Carrie Dempsey died Sunday from injuries she suffered when the shuttle boat caught fire in the water near Port Richey, according to the Associated Press.

Dempsey grew up in Beachwood but moved to the Tampa area years ago, her uncle Chuck Wien said Wednesday afternoon.

Dempsey is survived by her two 12-year-old twins. Her husband died several years ago, according to her obituary. She is also survived by her parents, two sisters and many extended family members, the obituary says.

Investigators have not determined why the The Island Lady shuttle boat caught fire Sunday afternoon while it was just off the coast. Fifty passengers and crew members jumped into the water to escape, according to the AP.

Fifteen people were hurt. Dempsey is the only reported death, according to the AP.

The shuttle boat was headed to a casino boat in the Gulf of Mexico, where gambling is legal, according to the AP.

Friends have set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for Dempsey's children, who will live with their grandparents, Wien said.

The GoFundMe page raised more than $8,000 toward a $25,000 goal by Wednesday afternoon.

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