MAGNA — A 96-year-old man who was pulled out of a burning house by Unified police early Monday has died.
Emergency crews responded to a house fire about 4:10 a.m. at 3378 S. Broadway St. (7700 West). A Unified police officer was one of the first to arrive on scene and found two of the home’s occupants already outside.
But a third person, Willis Shepherd, 96, who was confined to a wheelchair, had not made it out, said Unified Fire Authority Battalion Chief Brian Anderton.
The officer went inside the burning house, found Shepherd about 10 to 15 feet from the door and pulled him out, Anderton said. Despite life-saving efforts, the man succumbed to his injuries.
Anderton said the fire is believed to have started in a bedroom in the basement. Crews were able to contain the fire to that one room, he said. Heavy smoke filled the upstairs of the house. Damage was estimated at $50,000.
Investigators said it did not appear the home had any working smoke detectors.
“Whether it would have changed the outcome on this or not, we don’t know. But it certainly would give them a better chance,” he said.
Shepherd lived in the top floor of the home. A woman related to Shepherd and her boyfriend lived in the basement, according to authorities.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation.