Man dies 3 days after crews respond to fire at his home

INDIANAPOLIS – A 55-year-old man died just days after crews responded to a fire at his residence.

According to the Indianapolis Fire Department, the fire broke out in the 1400 block of Temperance Avenue on the afternoon of Oct. 23.

Crews encountered heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage. They had the situation under control in less than 10 minutes.

IFD said the home’s single occupant was in the back yard, “alert and oriented.” Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS) checked him at the scene for a slight injury; he refused further treatment and spoke to investigators at length about the fire. He also signed a statement of release, according to IFD.

Three days later—on Oct. 26—IFD investigators learned the man had died. The Marion County Coroner’s Office identified him as 55-year-old David M. Gray.

The coroner’s office was working to determine the cause of death. At this point, it’s unclear if Gray’s death was related to the Oct. 23 fire or if another issue was responsible.

IFD said it was awaiting final autopsy results from the coroner’s office.