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Ghost Ship Fire
On December 2, 2016, a raging fire ripped through an old warehouse in Oakland, California, killing 36 young people. Colleen Dolan stood outside. Her 33-year-old daughter, a well-known San Francisco electronic musician known as Cherushii, and many of her musician friends were missing. Were they trapped inside?
Colleen's story weaves its way through the terrifying events of that December night and her devastating loss, piecing together the gripping story behind the media headlines. It moves to the high-profile criminal trial that finally began two years later and captured the nation with tales of horrifying death at an off-the-grid artists' collective.
As the media circled, families of the victims who just wanted answers and justice were exposed to circus-like courtroom drama. Colleen took detailed notes at the trial. To counter the hysteria, she learned to address the TV news cameras and wrote articles for several San Francisco Bay Area newspapers.
Colleen's story reflects the public's fascination with tragedy and the crippling effect this has in prolonging private grief. Her struggle with big questions about her daughter's death will help other bereaved parents understand they are not alone in their search for answers.
A poignant, hard-hitting real-life tale of tragedy and accountability. - Kirkus Reviews
Colleen's story weaves its way through the terrifying events of that December night and her devastating loss, piecing together the gripping story behind the media headlines. It moves to the high-profile criminal trial that finally began two years later and captured the nation with tales of horrifying death at an off-the-grid artists' collective.
As the media circled, families of the victims who just wanted answers and justice were exposed to circus-like courtroom drama. Colleen took detailed notes at the trial. To counter the hysteria, she learned to address the TV news cameras and wrote articles for several San Francisco Bay Area newspapers.
Colleen's story reflects the public's fascination with tragedy and the crippling effect this has in prolonging private grief. Her struggle with big questions about her daughter's death will help other bereaved parents understand they are not alone in their search for answers.
A poignant, hard-hitting real-life tale of tragedy and accountability. - Kirkus Reviews
383 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 28, 2025
This true story is one of the most powerful expressions of anxiety, grief, loss, anger, and motherhood that I have ever come across. What is truly impactful is the way in which the author shows us that, for those of us who have lost a beloved person, all the isolation and craziness that come with grief are a natural consequence of deep love.
The book is written by Colleen Dolan, a mother in Oakland, California. The Ghost Ship was a converted warehouse containing unpermitted dwelling units, a dance floor, and countless combustible artifacts, curios and vehicles stored there by the owner/manager.
One awful night the building caught fire. Her daughter ran back into the burning building to warn the others to escape. She never came out. Thirty-six young people lost their lives.
The author provides us with a critical exposé of the woeful inadequacy of government systems that allowed such a tragedy to happen. Politics, cover-ups, finger pointing, and dishonesty all play a part in determining the fates of the thirty-six young lives cut short in Oakland that winter's night.
She describes the stage of denial where she employs ‘complex psychological gymnastics to soften the awful possibility of her death,’ and the stage of anger against the two callous owners of the building who allowed 36 young music lovers burn to death in the building they owned and managed; ' I curse you with the Terror and agony those 36 extraordinary human beings felt in their last moments. I give back the nightmare curse you placed upon us all. I curse you with all the power the universe gives to a bereaved mother. I do not forgive you. I never will. May you burn in the hellish nightmares you created.'
Magically, Dolan shows the ways in which, after her death, her daughter provides her with tangible and inexplicable evidence that she is still present and continues to love and comfort her from beyond this earth.
An extraordinary book.
The book is written by Colleen Dolan, a mother in Oakland, California. The Ghost Ship was a converted warehouse containing unpermitted dwelling units, a dance floor, and countless combustible artifacts, curios and vehicles stored there by the owner/manager.
One awful night the building caught fire. Her daughter ran back into the burning building to warn the others to escape. She never came out. Thirty-six young people lost their lives.
The author provides us with a critical exposé of the woeful inadequacy of government systems that allowed such a tragedy to happen. Politics, cover-ups, finger pointing, and dishonesty all play a part in determining the fates of the thirty-six young lives cut short in Oakland that winter's night.
She describes the stage of denial where she employs ‘complex psychological gymnastics to soften the awful possibility of her death,’ and the stage of anger against the two callous owners of the building who allowed 36 young music lovers burn to death in the building they owned and managed; ' I curse you with the Terror and agony those 36 extraordinary human beings felt in their last moments. I give back the nightmare curse you placed upon us all. I curse you with all the power the universe gives to a bereaved mother. I do not forgive you. I never will. May you burn in the hellish nightmares you created.'
Magically, Dolan shows the ways in which, after her death, her daughter provides her with tangible and inexplicable evidence that she is still present and continues to love and comfort her from beyond this earth.
An extraordinary book.
October 30, 2024
"The Ghost Ship Fire" by Colleen Dolan is a profoundly moving memoir about loss, resilience, and accountability. On December 2, 2016, Colleen’s life changed forever with a phone call from her daughter Chelsea's boyfriend, David, who informed her that a fire had broken out at the Ghost Ship warehouse in Oakland where Chelsea was.
As Colleen arrived at the site, she was met with a devastating scene—the warehouse engulfed in flames and her daughter unaccounted for. Chelsea, an enthusiastic supporter of the Bay Area music scene, was there with others musicians when the tragedy struck. Soon, the parents of other victims began to arrive, sharing in the horror and grief. Colleen’s heart shattered as she learned of her daughter’s fate, her vibrant spirit lost to the flames.
Haunted by nightmares and unrelenting sorrow, Colleen sought to understand the events that led to the fire. Her search revealed details about the building's tenant, Derick Almena, and other figures involved. Through her pain, she reflects on memories of Chelsea, bringing the past into sharp focus amid her grief.
Colleen’s memoir reaches out to other parents enduring similar anguish, reminding them that they aren’t alone. The raw honesty and depth of emotion in this book offer a glimpse into a mother’s unimaginable heartache, but also her strength. Reading this story, I was struck by the profound impact of the tragedy and the resilience shown by Colleen and other families. The composite images of those lost serve as a poignant reminder of the lives cut short and the parents left behind, searching for answers and justice.
As Colleen arrived at the site, she was met with a devastating scene—the warehouse engulfed in flames and her daughter unaccounted for. Chelsea, an enthusiastic supporter of the Bay Area music scene, was there with others musicians when the tragedy struck. Soon, the parents of other victims began to arrive, sharing in the horror and grief. Colleen’s heart shattered as she learned of her daughter’s fate, her vibrant spirit lost to the flames.
Haunted by nightmares and unrelenting sorrow, Colleen sought to understand the events that led to the fire. Her search revealed details about the building's tenant, Derick Almena, and other figures involved. Through her pain, she reflects on memories of Chelsea, bringing the past into sharp focus amid her grief.
Colleen’s memoir reaches out to other parents enduring similar anguish, reminding them that they aren’t alone. The raw honesty and depth of emotion in this book offer a glimpse into a mother’s unimaginable heartache, but also her strength. Reading this story, I was struck by the profound impact of the tragedy and the resilience shown by Colleen and other families. The composite images of those lost serve as a poignant reminder of the lives cut short and the parents left behind, searching for answers and justice.
November 5, 2024
Discovering purpose amid profound loss is a challenging journey. The Ghost Ship Fire tells the heartbreaking story of Colleen Dolan, whose daughter Chelsea perished in a tragic warehouse fire. Chelsea, a gifted electronic musician, had joined Joel, known as Golden Domma, and other artists to support a performance that fateful night. However, when a fire broke out, it became so hazardous that firefighters were unable to enter, trapping Chelsea and 35 others inside.
As parents grappled with the devastating reality of their children’s fate, many found themselves bewildered by the circumstances surrounding the fire. For Colleen, the need to understand what happened led her to investigate, seeking any detail that could explain the tragic events of December 2, 2016.
Losing a child is a pain beyond words, and finding solace in such loss is a daunting task. This book was written for grieving parents seeking answers, who want to know not just the “how,” but also the “why.” Through the vibrant, if brief, lives of these 36 young individuals, we’re reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment. Deeply moving and poignant, this memoir offers solidarity to those who feel isolated in their grief. I was captivated from start to finish, as the storytelling flows smoothly, making it a compelling and accessible read.
As parents grappled with the devastating reality of their children’s fate, many found themselves bewildered by the circumstances surrounding the fire. For Colleen, the need to understand what happened led her to investigate, seeking any detail that could explain the tragic events of December 2, 2016.
Losing a child is a pain beyond words, and finding solace in such loss is a daunting task. This book was written for grieving parents seeking answers, who want to know not just the “how,” but also the “why.” Through the vibrant, if brief, lives of these 36 young individuals, we’re reminded of the importance of cherishing every moment. Deeply moving and poignant, this memoir offers solidarity to those who feel isolated in their grief. I was captivated from start to finish, as the storytelling flows smoothly, making it a compelling and accessible read.
November 6, 2024
December 2, 2016, became a date forever etched in Colleen’s memory. Her 33-year-old daughter Chelsea was among the many who lost their lives in the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland, California. Chelsea’s boyfriend, David, was the one who informed Colleen about the fire, sparking days of anxious uncertainty as they waited for confirmation of her fate.
Chelsea’s parked car outside the warehouse pointed to the heartbreaking likelihood she had been inside. Later, the description of her brightly colored outfit confirmed her passing, marking the start of Colleen’s difficult journey through grief. Left with haunting questions—how had the fire started, why couldn’t anyone escape, and why hadn’t firefighters been able to intervene—Colleen searched tirelessly for answers.
Coming to terms with such a loss took years. Although nothing could compensate for the lives lost, Colleen found meaning in sharing her story to let other grieving parents know they aren’t alone. Chelsea’s vibrant life serves as a reminder to embrace authenticity, pursue dreams, and live fully. The cover art is touching, and the title fitting. I found this story gripping, feeling every ounce of the author’s sorrow and courage through her deeply personal words.
Chelsea’s parked car outside the warehouse pointed to the heartbreaking likelihood she had been inside. Later, the description of her brightly colored outfit confirmed her passing, marking the start of Colleen’s difficult journey through grief. Left with haunting questions—how had the fire started, why couldn’t anyone escape, and why hadn’t firefighters been able to intervene—Colleen searched tirelessly for answers.
Coming to terms with such a loss took years. Although nothing could compensate for the lives lost, Colleen found meaning in sharing her story to let other grieving parents know they aren’t alone. Chelsea’s vibrant life serves as a reminder to embrace authenticity, pursue dreams, and live fully. The cover art is touching, and the title fitting. I found this story gripping, feeling every ounce of the author’s sorrow and courage through her deeply personal words.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews