Tragedy in Ecorse: 80-Year-Old Grandmother Dies in House Fire

A peaceful suburban community in Ecorse, Michigan, was rocked with despondency on Thursday following a house fire that killed an 80-year-old woman. Victim Mary Jackson, aged 80, was discovered in her home at 12th Street, where arriving emergency responders rushed to fight the fire.

Jackson was confirmed by authorities to have been the only one inside the house when the fire started. She did not survive the effort of responding emergency personnel.

Local responders arrived immediately the alarm had been sounded, but the severity of the flames made it impossible for them to access Jackson prior to time. Rescuers came upon her when they finally put out the fire in the burnt-out house.

Neighbors were stunned and outraged, calling Jackson a quiet and pleasant woman who had lived in the neighborhood for years. “She was such a nice lady,” a neighbor said. “Always had a smile and a nice word for everybody.”

Now, officials are investigating the cause of the fire, and no word has been issued from them about what could have started it. The community has been concerned, in particular about fire safety, as well as about the difficulties the older residents may have in the event of a fire.

The Ecorse Fire Department is cooperating hand-in-hand with the authorities to find out why the fire started and if anything could have been done to avert such a sad loss.

In the meantime, Mary Jackson’s family is grieving the loss of a very much respected grandmother, and neighbors and friends are recalling a woman who, despite all her recluse life, imparted a positive presence to those she came in contact with.

Further information is expected as the inquiry is ongoing.