Preliminary autopsy results have confirmed that 2 ½ yr old Jaiden Cole died after inhaling smoke and toxic gases when a fire broke out in his home around 10 AM last Friday morning. The child was found by Firefighters in a bedroom of the home he shared with his parents and 4 siblings. The only other occupant of the home at the time of the fire was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital with burns and smoke inhalation.
51 yr old Jerome Tansey a family friend, has since recovered and been released from the hospital. Witnesses, including Mr. Tansey, first saw fire on the front porch of the home at 17092 Red Leaf Ln, located in the Grangerland Community. The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing, but it appears that during the confusion, Jaiden retreated to a bedroom in the home where he was overcome by smoke and toxic gases from the fire. Tests reveal that he had a carbon monoxide level of 84%, more than double lethal levels.
The home was destroyed by the fire, and one firefighter received burn injuries during attempts to reach the child. He was treated at the scene and released.
Investigators from the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office were assisted at the scene by Deputies with Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Two Certified Fire Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms responded at our request and are continuing to assist with the investigation into this fatal fire. An official with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office responded to the scene at the request of Investigators for additional assistance. Montgomery County Justice of The Peace James Metts is overseeing the investigation into the tragic death of this child.
At this time the investigation into the cause of this fire is ongoing, and no further details on the fire scene investigation will be released.
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