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Stacey Butler reporting"HE WAS RIGHT IN THE FLAME IMPINGEMENT AREA, HE WAS IN THE HOTTEST PART OF THE HOUSE."
An overnight fire in Layton claims the life of a teenage boy who was a foster child living in the home. The sixteen year old boy was in the laundry room early this morning when the fire started, and that is where police say he died.
Tonight the search for clues continues, even as neighbors place flowers in front of the home, remembering a new and kind friend named Josh Michael.
Marisa Gailey, Friend - "I WISH HE WAS HERE RIGHT NOW. I'M REALLY SAD AND I MISS HIM RIGHT NOW."
Marisa Gailey was shocked when she heard her and her brother's new friend died in a house fire early this morning.
Tanya Gailey, Neighbor - "JUST A SWEETHEART. HE'D COME OVER AND JUST PLAY WITH MY SON, JUST A CHEERFUL KID, DIDN'T EVER SEE NOTHIN WRONG WITH HIM."
The Layton fire chief says 16 year old Josh Michael, had a troubled past. Just three months ago as a court removed him from the custody of his parents. As a ward of the state he came to live in this home with Dennis and Barbara White. The White's also took care of two grandchildren.
Early this morning when the fire started, Mr. White was at work. His wife escaped with her grandchildren and ran next door.
Ron Barlow, Next door neighbor - "JUST ABOUT AFTER MIDNIGHT, WE HEARD HOLLERING AND KNOCKING ON THE DOOR."
But Josh Michael was nowhere to be found.
Ron - "ALL I HEARD LAST NIGHT WAS HE WAS MISSING, WE DIDN'T KNOW HE DIED UNTIL THIS MORNING."
The fire apparently started in the laundry room adjoining the garage. Crews fought ten foot flames to get in.
Asst. Chief Allen Peek, Layton Fire Dept. - "THAT'S WHEN THEY DISCOVERED A BODY WAS IN THAT ROOM."
Allen - "WE FOUND A FLAMMABLE LIQUID CONTAINER WITHIN A FOOT OF THE WATER HEATER, AND ITS IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM NEXT TO THE HEATER, WHY ITS THERE NOBODY KNOWS. "
The Whites had only rented the home three months. Most of their belongings still in boxeswere untouched by smoke or fire. But the flames caused 40 thousand dollars damage to the home.
Dennis White says Josh seemed happy. He was in a day treatment program for kids who have acted out in the past. His caseworker says he was doing well. An autopsy is being performed, one more clue that may help crews determine exactly what happened this morning at this home in Layton.
