Elderly Detroit man found dead after fire on city's west side; arson crews investigating

An elderly man who was disabled died in a house fire in Detroit Wednesday morning.

The Detroit Fire Department said crews responded to a two-story dwelling in the 18000 block of Marlowe Street near Seven Mile and the Lodge after a blaze was reported around 8 a.m.

Inside, crews found Michael "Mike" Haughton on the first floor. He was reported as unconscious and later pronounced dead.

Detroit Fire Chief James Harris, says Haughton, 69, was sleeping next to a space heater that likely caught on Fire. 

"Unfortunately, the temperatures this year, we're not having an official spring, and it's been cold," said Harris. "And people will do whatever they can to keep warm."

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Haughton lived in the house since 1969 with his two younger brothers and a cousin.  He worked for Comerica Bank for a number of years doing maintenance.

But he retired two years ago, relatives said. Haughton battled health issues including a heart attack, and it was very difficult for him to walk.  

When Detroit Firefighters arrived, the house was in flames.

"Our first arrival companies made a gallant effort, they did an awesome job," Harris said. "As usual, the men and women of Detroit fire Department Road did an awesome job, a great interior attack, but unfortunately we had a civilian pass away. "

Michael Haughton

Michael Haughton

Ironically Haughton's grandfather died in a house fire in 1992, but his cousin Lisa Cox says it is a strong family.

"Where there's life, there's death," she said. "We are a strong-knit family and we'll be here for each other and we'll get through it."