NYSP assists at fatal fire in Tompkins County

On December 8, 2024, at approximately 1:05 a.m., New York State Police at Ithaca were dispatched by the Tompkins County 911 Center to 771 Sovocool Hill Road in the town of Groton.

When Troopers arrived, members of the Groton Fire Department were attempting to enter the home after learning that one person was still inside.

Gary W. Hendrix, age 73 was located by members of the Groton Fire Department and was pronounced deceased on scene. A 69-year-old female was able to escape through a window and was transported by ambulance to Guthrie Cortland Hospital then later transferred to Upstate Medical Center for non-life-threatening injuries.

Additional Fire Companies that responded to assist included Freeville, Neptune Hose (Dryden), Lansing and McLean Fire Departments. The Tompkins County Medical Examiner's Office also responded.