The look was of disbelief.
Surrounded by law enforcement and fire investigators early Monday morning, friends and family gathered outside Jake Rogers’ mobile home at 138 Gulick Drive. Many had been up for hours, trying to make sense of what happened.
At 4:49 a.m., the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office, along with Sandy Bottom and Southwood volunteer fire departments reported to the scene to put out a structure fire at Rogers’ residence. Mostly confined to a wheelchair, the 76-year-old couldn’t make it to the door, and first responders were unable to battle back the flames fast enough to save him.
Firefighters put out the blaze shortly after 5 a.m.
A number of people received the sort of early morning phone call normally dreaded.
Friend of the family Cathy Overton said coming to grips with the situation is “pretty hard. Because, he’s in a wheelchair. He couldn’t get out of bed.”
The mobile home park, Lenoir Mobile Estates, advertises itself on a roadside sign as a place with “reasonable rates” and “friendly people.”
William Boyette, who helps run the site for his mother, Glenda, said Rogers was a real asset and helped take care of the community, including collecting rent when necessary. He said Rogers was “part of the family.”
Rogers is the father of local State Trooper Jackie Rogers.
At 10:37 a.m., LCSO Chief Deputy Chris Hill issued a statement saying, “At this time, it is not believed the cause of the fire is suspicious.”
Early word from investigators is the fire was electrical in nature. The investigation is ongoing.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wes.wolfe@kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.
