Santa Claus man killed in fire

ByMatthew Crane Reading Time: 2 minutes
Snowball Lane house fire
Photo provided by Indiana State Police

Santa Claus — A man is reported dead and a woman was taken by helicopter to a Louisville hospital after a house fire in the Santa Claus Village Friday morning.

Maureen Gregory, 66, a former English professor at Vincennes University Jasper, was LifeFlighted to the University of Louisville Hospital and her husband, Bryan Gregory, 65, was reported deceased in the fire that destroyed the home at 911 S. Snowball Lane. Gregory reportedly suffered from smoke inhalation  and first degree burns and is listed in a stable condition.

According to authorities, a cigarette is to blame for the fire that gutted the brick single level ranch home.

A member of the fire department searches for hotspots through the remains of the home.
A member of the fire department searches for hotspots through the remains of the home. Photo provided by Indiana State Police

According to Mrs. Gregory, she dropped a cigarette in the living room and was unable to pick it back up before the fire took hold.

Investigators stated that Mr. Gregory attempted to exit the residence but apparently passed out due to smoke inhalation  before he could get out of the burning home.

Santa Claus Fire Chief Max Meyer stated the fire spread very quickly and when firefighters arrived at the 911 S. Snowball Lane residence, they found it completely engulfed in flames.

The Fire Marshall’s Office is ruling the fire as accidental.

The Indiana State Police, Santa Claus Police, Spencer County Coroner’s Office, Indiana State Fire Marshall’s Office, and Spencer County EMS assisted the Santa Claus and Carter Township Fire Departments on scene.

Share