THUNDER BAY – Family and friends are mourning the loss of the two people who died in a tragic Sunday night house fire.
Although police have not confirmed the identities of the victims, the father of 50-year-old Anne Chuchmuch contacted Dougall Media on Tuesday and said she and 60-year-old Wilfred Pott were killed in the fire that broke out in a Brant Street home.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue crews were called to reports of a structural fire at the home around 10:30 p.m. Sunday night. Pott was rushed to hospital where he died as a result of injuries. Chuchmuch was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Thunder Bay Police Service and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal are investigating. Post-mortem examinations are expected to take place on Thursday. A media release issued by police on Tuesday said they expect to provide an update on the investigation by the end of the week.
According to their Facebook profiles, Chuchmuch and Pott were in a relationship. Numerous postings on social media expressed condolences to the families as well as sadness and heartbreak for the loss.
Shelter House acting executive director Brad King said Pott had worked as a support worker with the organization for the past three years, primarily with the managed alcohol program.
“He was an amazing human being, really inspirational and really dedicated to helping the community,” King said.
“He had actually lived on the street for some 15 years in Toronto and had overcome a lot of the same issues our folks are struggling with. He dedicated his life to helping out people in the community that are struggling with the same issues.”
Staff and clients of the Shelter House are still trying to process what happened.
“We were crushed. We were devastated. It was a complete shock and surprise, especially the circumstances. We’re still reeling from it,” King said.
