Investigators search for cause of fire that killed 15-year-old boy

MILLBURY, Mass. — Investigators in Millbury are still searching for the cause of a house fire that claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy this weekend.

According to the fire chief, his investigators are waiting on the autopsy results, which they hope will shed some light on the mystery surrounding the deadly fire.

On Saturday night, Jen Adams, a neighbor, says she first saw smoke pouring out of the home on 26 Stone Road as another neighbor frantically called 911.

"Our hearts are breaking, the whole neighborhood, it’s just horrible," said Adams.

Investigators say the family of four was home at around 9 p.m. when the fire broke out in the living room.

Both parents and a teenage brother managed to escape, but fire officials say the family's 15-year-old son was stuck inside. Firefighters later discovered his body in the burned out living room.

"Some of the family members were outside and they reported there was still a family member inside," said Millbury Fire Chief Richard Hamilton. "The house did have working smoke detectors, we really don’t know why this person couldn’t have gotten out."

School officials say the victim and his brother attend Millbury High School, where flags were at half mast on Monday.

Neighbors say the teen shared a close bond with his family.

"It’s just terrible, we didn’t know he was still in the home, so we were just devastated when it turned into a tragedy," said Adams.

Adams and many others are sending their prayers as the fire chief says the entire community is working to lift up the family devastated by a tragic and sudden loss.

"I’m sure the community will support this family, as they always do, they’ve already been reaching out to help them, and if we can coordinate any of that, we will," said Chief Hamilton.

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