Man killed in house fire on Danbury Street in Detroit

3 other family members escape fire

DETROIT – Arson investigators from the Detroit Fire Department are investigating a deadly fire that started around 2 a.m. Friday on Danbury Street.

The fire happened at a house in the 19400 block of Danbury Street, which is in the area of 7 Mile Road and John R. 

The victim has been identified as David Thomas, 64. Three other people were able to escape without injury.

David Thomas, 64, was killed in a house fire April 20, 2018 on Danbury Street in Detroit. (WDIV)

Family members said the fire started on the first floor in the kitchen and spread to the second floor, where the man was trapped. 

Smoke overwhelmed Thomas. 

"He's a beautiful person. He's a family person," said Pamela Pauline, the victim's relative. "Everybody loved him. They called him 'King James' because he walked with a stick." 

The other family members are left without a home. They are in touch with the American Red Cross.

Arson investigators do not believe this fire was set intentionally, but they are working to make sure. 

Stay with ClickOnDetroit for updates. 


About the Author:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.