BATTLE CREEK (WKZO) — Fire investigators say it appears that careless smoking was the cause of a fire on First Street in Battle Creek that has now claimed two lives.
Smoke and flames were pouring from the second story of the home when firefighters arrived late on New Years Day.
They were able to rescue 66-year-old Leon Taylor, but his mother, 87-year-old Bernice Taylor died in the burning home.
Lt. Quincy Jones says they determined that the fire began in Leon Jones’s bedroom and that he had been smoking. Its being called accidental.
It’s now been revealed that Leon Taylor died on Saturday, after he was treated for minor burns and released from the hospital.
They say he had other underlying medical conditions and an autopsy has been ordered. .
The home was badly damage.
