Richfield Springs Teacher Killed in Housefire

Faculty, students and staff in the Richfield Springs Central School District are mourning the loss of a science teacher, killed in a house fire over the weekend.

New York State Police say 59 year old Mary Weingates was the only occupant of the home on Walnut Street in Richfield Springs that burned at around 7 a.m. November 16.

Weingates had taught science at Richfield Springs since 1998.

Firefighters from Richfield Springs, Winfield, Springfield and Cedarville responded to the scene.

Officials say they are continuing to investigate the cause of the woman's death and what started the fire.

Over the weekend, the Richfield Springs school district had counselors on hand to talk to students and staff about the loss.