ORLAND, ME. (THECOUNT) — Sam Crawford has been identified as the Orland, Maine man killed after rushing into a house blaze to save the family pet.
Crawford, 40, died in a fire that destroyed his home early Monday night after initially surviving when he re-entered the Winkumpaugh Road dwelling to recover his dog, according to a statement from the state fire marshal’s office.
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Spokesman Steve McCausland said Tuesday that Crawford escaped the fire with four other people but went back into the house to search for his dog. McCausland said Crawford’s body was discovered in the burned out basement around 11:30 p.m on Monday. reports FoxBangor.
McCausland also said that investigators determined that the fire was caused by turning on a space heater in an attached garage.
Fire officials said, the other people who escaped the fire were 26-year-old Cassandra Morse, 19-year-old Alex Chaffee, and Crawford’s two daughters, 9-year-old Lillian and 5-year-old Ella.
The dog’s body has not been recovered, officials said.
Family and friends took to Facebook to remember Crawford:
“I met Sam Crawford, his father and the family dogs when we first moved to Maine. Despite a rugged lifestyle they were always really nice to us and we hired his family to do some site work for us.
His heart was set on saving the life of his canine friend. That shows incredible dedication and compassion. Your true character shows in your final hours. I hope he is always remembered for this.
Heartbreaking. :'( RIP Sam <3”
Geo quick facts: Orland is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States. The population was 2,225 at the 2010 census – Wikipedia.