Street Where 8-Year-Old Died In Rowhome Explosion Re-Named In His Honor
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- His death shocked the community and left his family heartbroken. It's been two months since 8-year-old Troy Douglas was killed in a rowhome explosion.
Now a major change is taking place where the tragedy happened.
Monique Griego reports on how the community is remembering the little boy.
On Sunday, Troy would have turned 9 years old. In honor of his birthday, the community wanted to turn a place of sorrow into something positive.
It's been two months since a freak explosion at an East Baltimore rowhome claimed the life of Douglas. The little boy was just walking home from school when debris from the blast collapsed on top of him.
"They need to condemn it because it just brings back too many memories, especially when it's still in that type of condition," said Vilma Jeter, family friend.
Now, one day before what would have been his ninth birthday, Troy is being memorialized. The city is re-naming the street where the tragedy happened into Troy Douglas Way.
"Very appreciative. I just wish I could have my son, like, this would have never happened. But the community will always remember," said Shanika Brown, Troy's mother.
Investigators determined the fire and explosion were caused by natural gas igniting. The source and exactly what led up to the deadly chain of events remains a mystery.
"In crisis, we tend to come together in crisis. And what Troy did brought together a community," said Warren Branch, city councilman.
Everyone who knew Troy agrees he lived a short, but very full life.
"I can't walk nowhere without nobody... 'You're Troy's mother.' He left his mark on everybody," Brown said.
While he will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones, the sign ensures even strangers passing by will be reminded of Troy's legacy.
"This is the way he took from school every day. So he's still going to be in our memory all the time," said Jeter.
It's not clear when or even if that building is going to be torn down.
The investigation into the explosion continues. According to BGE, they did a thorough review of the natural gas system in the area and found it operating safely.
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