A James Madison University student is dead after an accidental kitchen fire in an off-campus apartment on Devon Lane Thursday night.
The university has confirmed that senior Lorenzo Gibbs, 28, an Integrated Science & Technology major, was the victim in the fatal fire.
According to the Harrisonburg Fire Department, he was transported to Sentara RMH where he was declared dead at approximately 1 a.m.
A spokesperson for JMU said the university was “deeply saddened to confirm the passing” of Gibbs.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Lorenzo’s family, friends and all who knew him,” said Tim Miller, vice president for student affairs at JMU.
Gibbs was found in the residence in the 1400 block of Devon Lane and immediately removed by rescue crews. He was in cardiac arrest with no pulse and was not breathing, according to the HFD. Life-saving measures were initiated, including the administration of a cyanide antidote kit, a common by-product of fire.
The fire was extinguished in under 10 minutes with less than 50 gallons of water.
The fire department responded to the residence at midnight after a caller told emergency dispatchers that he believed there was a fire in the apartment below his due to smoke rising through the floor vents.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a large volume of smoke coming from a ground-level apartment on the back of the building.
Personnel had to force entry into the apartment where they found fire in the kitchen area and smoke throughout the residence.
“Our department is heartbroken,” said Matthew Tobia, Harrisonburg fire chief. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this young man who had his entire life ahead of him.
“I am grateful to everyone who did all they could to try to save his life, and my heart goes out to all in our community who are suffering from this loss.”
The HFD Fire Marshal’s Office has determined the fire to be accidental and the result of cooking. Damage estimates have been set at approximately $25,000.
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Crystal Graham
