Just after 1:30pm on Sunday June 30, 2024, the Owen Sound Police Service received multiple reports of a fire at an apartment in the 1300 block of 3rd Avenue East from both neighbouring residents and the motoring public. 

Upon arrival, police found a citizen performing lifesaving measures on a 58-year-old man who had left the unit, which had contained the fire and billowing smoke. The man had exited quickly through a window of the third-floor apartment, gaining access to the roof and tragically slipped and fell. The citizen immediately called 911 and attended to aid his neighbor.  

The Owen Sound Fire Service and Grey County EMS attended the scene and the fire was contained to a single apartment. The man was transported to the Brightshores Health System Owen Sound, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators from the Office of the Fire Marshall, the Owen Sound Police Service Criminal Investigations Branch, the Office of the Coroner and the Owen Sound Fire Department investigated the circumstances of the fire. As a result, it has been determined that the cause of death was from the blunt trauma from the fall from height. At this time, this incident is considered non-suspicious and is not believed to be criminal in nature. 

Police would like to thank those who recognized the immediate dangers, quickly called 911 and rendered assistance.

For fire safety and prevention information please visit Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services