Death related to Dec. 26 Perry Township house fire ruled suicide

The Independent
·1 min read
The Perry Township Fire Department responded to a house fire Dec. 26 at 4855 Fourth St. NW.
The Perry Township Fire Department responded to a house fire Dec. 26 at 4855 Fourth St. NW.

PERRY TWP. – The death of a 64-year-old man in connection with a Dec. 26 house fire has been ruled a suicide.

Harry Campbell, an investigator with the Stark County Coroner's Office, said the man did not die as a result of the fire but by suicide.

Fire fatality:“Something is not right” Perry Township man, 64, dies in intentionally set fire

Multiple fire deaths:Six dead after Newcomerstown house destroyed by blaze

Officials from the State Fire Marshal's office had determined last month that the fire at 4855 Fourth St. NW was an incendiary fire, which means it was intentionally set.

The fire appeared serious with heavy smoke when crews arrived at the scene around 10 a.m. Dec. 26, Perry Township Fire Chief Larry Sedlock has said.

In addition to the Perry Fire Department, firefighters from Canton, Canton Township, Plain Township, Erie Valley and Massillon were called out to the blaze.

Where to get help

Need help? The following resources are available any time of day:

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 (or, simply dial “988”)

  • Stark County Crisis Hotline: 330-452-6000

  • Crisis Text Line, text ‘4hope’ to 741-741

  • Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ youth: 866-488-7386

  • Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

  • Military & Veterans Crisis Line: 800-273-8255, press 1

  • Military & Veterans Crisis Text Line: 838255

  • CommQuest Detox at Aultman Hospital: 330-830-3393

Learn how to make your home a “Safe Home” by removing unnecessary risks for substance abuse and suicide at starkmhar.org/prevention-resources/safe-home.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Stark County coroner rules Perry Township house fire as suicide