WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah, June 28, 2017 (Gephardt Daily) — The Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the apparent suicide death of Loralie Thomas Querbach, who was charged in the arson fire this month that claimed the life of her mother.
Querbach, 47, died early Tuesday afternoon after an apparent suicide attempt, according to information confirmed today by Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Sgt. Cammie Scogg.
“The guard was doing the normal watch tour after lunch, and something didn’t look right in the cell,” Scogg told Gephardt Daily. “He went in and found the victim, and started doing CPR. She was transported to the hospital, where she died.”
Scogg said the manner of death appeared to be asphyxiation, but she could not confirm the method. The Medical Examiner will make the final determination about the cause of Querbach’s death, Scogg said.
The Medical Examiner will also determine whether any other existing medical issues may have contributed to the death.
According to law enforcement documents, Querbach had confessed to starting the June 5 fire, and using accelerant to block the exit of 64-year-old Kathie Thomas from her upstairs bedroom in the West Valley residence, at at 6946 W. Bonnie Arlene Drive (3710 South). Thomas shared her house with Querbach and four other family members.
According to a news release from the West Valley City Police Department, Querbach stated “… that she was aware that four other persons were in the home, and that they were all sleeping. She stated that she made no effort to wake them up and warn them of the fire. All four persons were able to exit the home without injury.”
Family sources have indicated that Querbach struggled with mental illness.
This is such a sad and tragic story. Unfortunately its not that uncommon. Mental illness is still one of the least understood but dangerous diseases. And yes it is a disease. Before we judge try to remember she was very ill.
Thank you for your comment, and YES she was very mentally ill… And Utah knew it, both deaths were preventable… ESPECIALLY Kathies