The family of a Little Elm woman who died after falling from her attic ladder said that while her death is painful, they are grateful that news stories on her death are spreading awareness.
"It's going to save a lot of lives," said Ruthi Albritton, the mother of Dedra King.
King, 54, was removing Christmas decorations from her attic when she fell from the ladder and hit her head on her garage concrete floor. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Police officers said there was a crack in one of the ladder steps.
"It's like we just lost ... like we're cut in half. It's like losing my soul," Albritton said.
Dozens of NBC 5 viewers have sent in e-mails or written on Facebook page thanking NBC 5 for the warning.
Karen Sorenson posted:
Thanks for the story on the attic ladder. Just checked mine and 90% of screws were loose and several bolts missing. May have avoided an accident in this home. Appreciate it!!
Another viewer wrote:
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The latest news from around North Texas.
Thank you for your recent broadcast regarding attic folding ladders. I realize it followed the death of an individual who was very dear to their family. However, I am sincerely grateful that you broadcasted this story since it spurred me to inspect our ladder. I found a nut missing on the middle step, and it would have been only a matter of time before the step slipped out of the notches, possibly causing injury or death.
Besides checking for cracks on attic ladders, the No. 1 thing homeowners need to do is check for loose screws and bolts, inspectors say.
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