A former University Akron student is dead after a fire started in the bedroom of a house on Grant Street, near the University of Akron on Monday morning.
The Akron Fire Department confirmed a 26-year-old man was found dead in a bedroom on the second floor of a home on the 675 block of Grant Street.
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The victim, identified as Kevin J. McCollum, attended the University of Akron from August 2010 to December 2015. He majored in interior design.
Authorities said the fire started around 4:46 a.m. in the bedroom where the victim was located.
Crews said the fire was knocked down quickly.
Two students living in the home were able to escape the fire and another person was away for the night.
Investigators working to get all charred materials out of home so fire does not rekindle. This is the fourth fire death in Akron since April 1st. @wews pic.twitter.com/w3wxuhvGPj
— Sarah Phinney (@sarahphinneytv) May 7, 2018
It's unknown how the fire started, according to authorities. The victim of the fire was not a college student, according to authorities.
Dr. John Messina, vice president of student affairs at The University of Akron released the following statement:
“We are saddened to learn of the death of former student Kevin McCollum as a result of this morning’s house fire. Kevin had been a resident assistant during his time at the university and worked well with our staff and students in that capacity. We extend our condolences to all who knew him.”
The Red Cross has been notified to assist the displaced students.
People who lived here grabbing some belongings. @wews pic.twitter.com/6CvMLHaJq8
— Sarah Phinney (@sarahphinneytv) May 7, 2018
