Grandmother in wheelchair dies in Bronx fire; family mourns her tragic loss.

An 80-year-old woman, Ana Serrano, tragically lost her life in a fire that engulfed her Bronx apartment building on April 16. The fire broke out around 2:45 p.m. in her residence located on East 169th Street near Morris Avenue, a community that is now left to grapple with the loss.

Serrano was at home with her other son when the blaze erupted. She was known to suffer from Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a genetic neurological disorder that impaired her mobility. In recent years, her health had declined, as doctors informed her family that one of her lungs was not functioning properly, further complicating her respiratory issues. Her son, Isaí Serrano, had visited her just a week before her untimely death, recalling the emotional farewell and expressing his disbelief that it would be their last moment together.

After the fire ignited, a neighbor alerted Serrano about the emergency. Isaí reported that his brother, who was also present, did his utmost to help their mother escape the flames. Emergency responders transported Ana to BronxCare Health System, where she was initially in critical condition. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries around midnight following the fire, with doctors indicating that smoke inhalation was likely to have been the cause of death, pending official confirmation from the city Medical Examiner.

Despite facing significant medical challenges, Serrano was described by her family as a resilient and joyful person. Over the years, they managed to enhance her quality of life by providing her with an oxygen tank, which allowed her to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Family members fondly recalled her sense of humor and caring nature, which remained steadfast even amidst her chronic pain.

Born in Juncos, Puerto Rico, Ana moved to New York in the 1970s, where she formed a lifelong partnership with her husband after meeting him at a church event. As a devoted mother and grandmother, she leaves behind two sons, a daughter, and six grandchildren, who have all shared cherished memories of her.

In the weeks leading up to her death, Serrano celebrated her 80th birthday during Thanksgiving with her family, creating lasting memories, including a video of her cooking a beloved family recipe. As fire marshals continue to investigate the cause of the blaze, this heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring time with loved ones.

Serrano’s family is left with indelible memories of her spirit and resilience, and they face the difficult task of navigating their grief in the wake of this unexpected tragedy.