Aurelian Kamp, John Morris Obituary, Death – Authorities in North Haven have released the identities of the two individuals who lost their lives in a house fire early Monday morning. The victims were identified as 8-year-old Aurelian Kamp and 72-year-old John Morris, according to fire officials on Tuesday.
Emergency crews were called to the home on George Street around 12:30 a.m. Monday after reports of a fire. When firefighters arrived, they found flames spreading rapidly across both the first and second floors of the residence. Responders were informed that a child was trapped inside a second-floor bedroom.
Firefighters immediately began search and rescue operations under challenging conditions. When they reached the upper level, they found an elderly man deceased and later located the young boy under a bed in one of the rooms.
After a joint investigation by local and state officials, authorities determined that the fire began in a den on the first floor of the home. The cause has been classified as accidental, related to smoking materials.
North Haven Fire Chief Paul Januszewski expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss and praised his team for their tireless efforts at the scene. “Our firefighters did everything possible under extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances,” Januszewski said in a public statement. “This tragedy is a sobering reminder of how fast fires can spread inside a home and the importance of taking simple but life-saving precautions.”
He went on to urge residents to review their fire safety practices, emphasizing the importance of having working smoke alarms installed on every floor and inside each bedroom. “Always make sure to close doors inside your home to slow down the spread of fire and smoke. And don’t assume someone else has called for help — dial 911 immediately if you see signs of fire,” he added. The fire chief also recommended that families establish and regularly practice an emergency escape plan.
The investigation into the incident was led by the Connecticut State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit in collaboration with the North Haven Fire Department and the North Haven Police Department. Authorities have confirmed that no foul play is suspected, and the case remains classified as a tragic accident.
In the wake of the devastating fire, the North Haven community has come together to honor the memories of Aurelian Kamp and John Morris. A candlelight vigil has been scheduled for 6 p.m. at St. Barnabas Church on Washington Avenue, where residents, friends, and local leaders will gather to pay their respects and offer support to the affected families.
North Haven First Selectman Michael Freda shared a heartfelt message on behalf of the town, expressing condolences to those grieving the loss. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Morris and Kamp families during this heartbreaking time,” Freda said. “The Town of North Haven stands united in sorrow, but also in gratitude for the bravery and dedication shown by our first responders.”
He encouraged residents to take the tragedy as a reminder of the importance of safety preparedness at home. “We urge everyone to review their fire prevention measures, make sure their smoke detectors are working, and talk with family members about what to do in case of an emergency,” Freda added.
As the community mourns the loss of two lives, officials are emphasizing prevention and awareness to ensure that such tragedies can be avoided in the future. Fire departments across the region continue to highlight the need for functional alarms, safe smoking practices, and readiness plans to help families stay safe in the event of a fire.
The North Haven Fire Department has expressed gratitude to all emergency personnel and neighboring agencies who assisted during the operation, noting that their coordinated response played a vital role in containing the fire and preventing further damage to nearby homes.
