The remains of the house on High Street where a fire on Monday, March 21, claimed three lives have become a shrine, complete with candles and stuffed animals, in memory of the two children and adult who died in the blaze.
ORANGE, NJ — Mayor Dwayne Warren is asking the entire city of Orange Township community to come together to help the surviving victims of the deadly fire on High Street on Monday, March 14, that took the lives of three people: Morrice May, 51, and his two nephews, Nayon May-James, 7, and Na’shaun May-Davis, 2. All were residents of Orange.
On Monday, March 21, Warren sent out an email blast informing all Orange residents: “Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of the recent fire in Orange” and exhorting them to take action on the behalf of the victims because, “Now it’s time to give something more.”
“The city of Orange Township grieves the loss of three members of our Orange family, taken from us in a tragic fire that also injured five other family members who were hospitalized,” said Warren on Monday, March 21. “We offer our deep condolences to the May family as they mourn the loss of two adolescents and an adult relative. We also pray for the recovery of the family members that are suffering from severe burns and respiratory injuries.”
Warren went on to say the May family home “was a part of the fabric of the community.” He said it “was totally destroyed along with all of the family’s possessions.”
And now, once again, Warren said it’s time “to give something more.”
“The May family is in the process of trying to make home-going arrangements and providing care and comfort for the survivors,” said Warren on Monday, March 21. “I have met with family members to offer support and resources in their time of need. I have also agreed to make an appeal to everyone to help the family by donating directly to the family through the online account at http://www.gofundme.com/helpthemays.”
Warren said he asks all Orange residents with the means and wherewithal to help the May family in its time of need to take the initiative. Anyone interested in learning more about the drive to help the surviving May family members can contact City Hall at www.ci.orange.nj.us or at www.facebook.com/orange.jersey.
“I humbly ask that you find it in your heart and in the hearts of your respective organizations to give generously,” said Warren. “The family is grateful for your generosity and support. We will be honored to acknowledge your kindness by adding your name to our list of donors on my Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/orange.jersey.” On Monday, March 14, acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray announced the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the death of three people killed when a two-alarm fire broke out in the 200 block of High Street in Orange.
“The fire started at approximately 6 a.m. today in a 2 1/2-story single-family home,” said Murray on Monday, March 21. “The home was occupied by a family. Three members of the family are confirmed dead. The fire spread to the two adjoining homes on each side of the house. No one was injured in those homes.”
As of Monday, March 21, Murray said, “At this time, the fire does not appear to be suspicious, but the investigation is continuing.” She said additional information would be released as it becomes available.
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