ELLSWORTH, Maine — One of the victims of Thursday ’s devastating house fire on Stackpole Way in Ellsworth took his own life Friday morning, according to state police.
Dayton Arey, 57, was staying with his family at a friend’s home on Birchlawn Drive in Lamoine after Thursday night’s fire leveled his house. Maine State Police received a call around 7 a.m. from the home, said spokesman Stephen McCausland.
McCausland said Arey had stabbed himself, though he said he could not provide any additional details about the incident.
McCausland also said that the state fire marshal had declared the Ellsworth fire suspicious, in part because of how quickly the house burned.
“A bizarre set of circumstances surrounds this entire event,” McCausland said. “Firefighters were surprised at how quick the house was engulfed in fire.”
Police have not provided a motive for the suicide, and McCausland said it would likely be next week before any additional details are available on the death or the fire.
While the home was still burning, Arey told the Bangor Daily News that he discovered the fire when he arrived home from work.
“I came home and opened the door,” he said as he watched his home burn. “There was black smoke billowing out.”
Investigators from the Office of the State Fire Marshal are continuing the investigation into the fire, said McCausland, who also represents that office. Excavating equipment from Ellsworth is being used to help investigators comb through the rubble.
“Part of the investigation of the fire scene will be interviews, including family members that were living there,” McCausland said. “Considering what they’re dealing with, those may take place next week. … It likely will be awhile before we have a definitive answer to what started the fire,” he said.
McCausland said he didn’t know where Arey’s wife, Heidi, and five children were staying now, or whether the home was insured.
Arey’s body was examined at the scene by an assistant to the state medical examiner and released to a local funeral home.
Follow Mario Moretto on Twitter at @riocarmine.
What a shame! Something went horribly wrong.
My deepest sympathy to all, especially wife and kids.
Oh, how horrible for this man’s family and friends….tragedy upon tragedy….my heart goes out to all……
How insensitive for the family and all those around this man to have to read the way this man chose to end his life. You’ve already exposed them enough. My heart aches for them.
I am sure they already knew.
This was a tragedy when the family lost their home. But this added to it, this is way beyond tragic. I truly hope it is not arson, and frankly I hope they are not able to make that determination. That would be a much better scenario for the remainder of this family unit.
I can imagine other scenarios for such an act and those would be better for this man’s family. May he rest in peace.
To his loved ones’, you have my prayers and my deepest condolences as you try to process all that has happened in these last two days. May you find the answers to all of the questions you must have. Some you may not like, but hopefully it will all help you process what has taken place here.
this is so very, very sad!
I feel for Mrs. Arey. First to lose her home, and now her husband.
Jees
Why don’t you go somewhere and learn compassion. You must be crazy.
How could you be so heartless. My dad loved nothing more than his family. Consider not posting when you dont know what your talking about.
I lost my mom when i was 7,and my dad when i was 8,I wil turn 59 this month,a long time with out them. My heart goes out to you and the rest of the family. When your parents pass on,they are a long time gone. Remember all the good times you had. God bless you.
I am sorry for your loss Jen please do not mind what the ignorant people on here say they are just *****. Some think that they know it all. Take care and wish your family well.
Jen, I lost my father suddenly this week as well. If you ever want to talk let me know.
How could you be so heartless. My dad loved nothing more than his family. Consider not posting when you dont know what your talking about.
Don’t mind the heartless, Jen. My thoughts are with you and your family, I only hope that all of you can overcome this tragedy and be stronger people and a stronger family than ever before. We are strengthened by that which tests us and those that bolster us when we’ve fallen down.
maybe it was going to to be forclosed on just a guess