No Body Found At Scene Of Fatal Worcester Fire
WORCESTER (CBS) - Tonight the Worcester County District Attorney's Office says there is no body to be found at the Worcester fire scene. Police suspected a tenant may have died in the fire but now investigators say that is not true. The man who was described as being homeless was apparently living in the back room of the home on Arlington Street.
Firefighter Jon Davies and Brian Carroll went back into the home last Thursday morning in search of that unidentified man when another tenant indicated he may still be in the burning building. That is when the building collapsed killing Davies and injuring Carroll.
Tonight investigators say they are still searching for the mysterious man whose name they don't know.
WBZ-TV's Joe Shortsleeve reports
And this week thousands of firefighters from across the country are expected to come to Worcester to pay tribute to the firefighter killed in last week's blaze.
Chief Correspondent Joe Shortsleeve says the community is coming together to help the Davies' family and others in need.
Worcester firefighters were out in force today gathering toys and food for their annual Christmas drive to help the needy. But this year there is added purpose and meaning.
Worcester firefighter Don Courtney is the spokesperson. "People were asking what they could do for us and we said why don't you come donate something in memory of Jon Davies and all firefighters."
"Our hearts are heavy and our thoughts are with Jon and his family," says Courtney.
And Worcester residents were eager to help out.
As one man handed over a bag of groceries he said, "Keep up the good work!"
Another said, "It is good to do something in memory of those we lost."
One man added, "I grieve too, like everyone in the city. It was terrible."
At the Franklin Street Station where firefighter Jon Davies answered his last call, black bunting hung over the Rescue One garage. A few away bouquets covered the slate surrounding the Cold Storage Memorial to the Worcester Six.
And retired district chief Jim Russell remembered Jon Davies.
"He was an incredible person," said Russell. "If you ever needed anything he would give you the shirt off his back."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Lana Jones reports
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Funeral arrangements are starting to take shape with a wake on Wednesday and a funeral mass Thursday morning. By some estimates there will be more than ten thousand firefighters in Worcester to say their goodbyes to Jon Davies.
The Worcester County District Attorney's office is now handling the fire investigation as well as the release of any new information. Tonight there is still no word on a cause.
