Charlottetown Police have confirmed the identity of a 31-year-old man who died during a house fire on December 16 in the city’s east end.
Drew Power was pronounced dead at the scene of a house fire at 343 Kent Street. The preliminary post-mortem examination results indicate that the 31-year-old died of smoke inhalation.
The Kent Street fire was called in at 2:54 p.m. Sunday. Charlottetown Police Services and the Charlottetown Fire Department responded to the scene.
“Drew Power served with Charlottetown Police during his on-the-job training in 2011 and worked with us again as a police officer this past summer,” said Police Services Chief Paul Smith.
“He was a well-known, well-liked individual in the community. This is a terrible tragedy. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”.
An autopsy took place Monday morning at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown.
City fire chief Randy MacDonald said on arrival there was a heavy amount of smoke coming from the back of the house.
“The cause is still under investigation, however, the room of origin at this time appears to have been the kitchen,” MacDonald said during an interview with The Guardian. “Of course, throughout the course of the investigation that will be determined.”
The victim was brought out of the building by firefighters, who attempted to resuscitate him.
A group of friends wept while watching the events unfold outside of the building.
“Drew Power served with Charlottetown Police during his on-the-job training in 2011 and worked with us again as a police officer this past summer,” - Police Services Chief Paul Smith
MacDonald said the blaze saw a lot of smoke and took some time before being extinguished.
“They were hitting hot spots and that sort of thing…. It does take some time to go through it, because it (the fire) gets into the wall cavities and roof areas,” said MacDonald.
There was considerable fire damage to the kitchen area and heavy smoke damage to the rest of the building, said MacDonald.
“There’s some water damage to the kitchen area as well,” he said.
The investigation into the fire was still in its preliminary stages, MacDonald said Sunday evening.
Fire officials were on the scene this morning continuing the investigation.
My heart goes out to all the Powers and Thompsons, and especially to Drew's Grandparents, Betty ( who is my sister) and Jim Power. Sorry I can't be there at this sad time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.