Obese Man Dies in Mobile Home Fire

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abear

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T. JOSEPH, Mo. Oct 16, 2005 — A fire destroyed a mobile home, killing a 600-pound, homebound man who could not be moved out in time despite the efforts of neighbors and firefighters.

Timothy Lee Morris, 45, called 911 from his home when it caught fire Saturday afternoon but couldn't get out by himself, fire officials said. His daughters, ages 8 and 13, summoned neighbors, but they were unable to move him.

"He was in the front room. We tried and tried to yank him out," said neighbor Clinton Turner. "He kept saying, 'Help,' but we couldn't get him out."

Authorities said police and firefighters eventually were able to put Morris on a backboard and slide him out the front door. Morris had several health problems, including breathing complications.

"Timmy probably didn't get burned at all," Battalion Chief John Nelson said. "He probably died from smoke inhalation."

Two firefighters were treated at a hospital for heat exhaustion and smoke inhalation. They were "very emotionally distraught they couldn't get him out," Nelson said.

The fire was blamed on an electrical short. The girls' mother wasn't home at the time.

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
 
Thats awful :(
 
thats horrible i feel for his family. aweful way too go. more reason to stay in shape eh?we've had similar problems thank god not that life threating though. it breaks your heart. :(
 
I know it's horrible, but at least he didn't burn to death, they say he died from the smoke.. I still feel for his family..
 
RE: 600 lb man

I feel more badly for the man than his family right now.

Obesity is the 'silent epidemic' in America. Not only do they feel like they themselves are unattractive and depressed, but the also feel helpless, like there is no help for them. They live in an unaccomodating world that both sneers and laughs at them. This incident should be a warning... reach out to those you know who are in need of your help, With a little luck and a lot of caring, maybe things like this won't hapen again
 
here here, sorry did i sound insenstive?? i just meant that the pain they feel right now has got to be unbeleivable . this is something that does not have to happen . if we had equipment that would allow us to help these people these things would not happen. i know that we are doing special traing to help us get a larger persons out of their home and help them by what ever means we can. of course i feel, i can't even tell you, for that poor man i know what smoke inhalation and terror can do, i would not wish it upon my worst enemy. i do not think this is a silent epidemic just one that most people refuse to aknowledge exists and that they can help to correct by being supportive and compassionate. thats all.
 
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