Man dies after house fire rescue
By Joel Pruett The Norman Transcript
The Norman Transcript Wed Apr 25, 2012, 01:54 AM CDT
NORMAN � A Norman man has died two days after firefighters pulled him from his blazing home.
Michael Spake, 61, of 229 S. Mercedes Dr., was transported to Norman Regional Hospital late Sunday night. He was rescued from the flames shortly after 10 p.m.
Spake remained in critical condition at Norman Regional Hospital through Monday night. Hospital spokeswoman Kelly Wells said Spake died about noon Tuesday.
Norman Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey said Spake was not in good health even before suffering critical burns.
�They didn�t expect him to live even a week before that fire,� Bailey said, explaining that Spake had been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The fire also inflicted significant damages to the home, rendering it uninhabitable, Bailey said.
Fire department officials estimate that the structure suffered about $90,000 in damage, and damaged contents were valued at an estimated $40,000.
Fire marshals suspect the fire was accidental, though the investigation continues.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has possession of the body. Officials at that state office could not be reached for comment.
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