In the early morning hours of June 4, 2017, a devastating fire tore through a three-story building in the Hill District neighborhood of Pittsburgh, claiming the life of 62-year-old Jesse Lauw. The blaze, which was reported at approximately 3:09 a.m. at 2411 Wylie Avenue, quickly engulfed the structure that housed a business on the first floor and apartments above. Firefighters arrived on the scene within minutes to find the building consumed by heavy smoke and flames, with residents trapped on the upper floors.
Jesse Lauw, a male resident of the building, was tragically found by firefighters on an upper floor. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's office later confirmed that he died as a result of thermal and inhalation injuries sustained in the fire. The intense heat and smoke created a desperate situation for the occupants, forcing some to take extreme measures to escape the rapidly spreading flames.
Another resident, 60-year-old Lonnie Davis, also perished in the incident after reportedly jumping from the building to escape the inferno. In addition to the two fatalities, four other individuals were injured, including a Pittsburgh firefighter who fell through the roof while battling the blaze. Three other people who jumped from the building survived their injuries. The fire caused extensive damage to the building at 2411 Wylie Avenue, which was later slated for demolition, and also damaged the adjacent residential buildings.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, the cause of the fire was not known and was placed under investigation by the city's homicide unit and a fire marshal. Online sources available do not contain information regarding the official cause of the fire. Consequently, there is no information available regarding any suspects or arrests in connection with the death of Jesse Lauw.
