News Summary
A tragic house fire in Cleveland resulted in the deaths of a dedicated teacher and her husband. Michelle Terwilliger, a long-time educator, and William Swincicki were found unresponsive in their home following the blaze. Firefighters faced challenges due to hoarding conditions and the absence of smoke alarms, highlighting the importance of fire safety. The community mourns their loss as resources for smoke alarms are offered to residents.
Cleveland House Fire Claims Lives of Teacher and Her Husband
Two people are dead following a house fire on E 52nd Street in Cleveland, Ohio. The incident occurred just after midnight on a Sunday morning, resulting in the tragic loss of 57-year-old William Swincicki and 55-year-old Michelle Terwilliger.
Michelle Terwilliger was a dedicated teacher at St. Stanislaus Catholic School, where she had taught for 19 years. Known affectionately as “Ms. T,” she was deeply committed to her students and had a significant impact on the school community. Principal Deborah Ann Martin highlighted that Michelle and her husband often prepared meals for staff and generously provided shoes and clothing for students in need. In response to this heartbreaking news, counselors will be available at St. Stanislaus for students who may require support as they cope with the loss of their beloved teacher.
The Cleveland Fire Department responded to reports of heavy smoke and flames emanating from the first floor and porch of the residence. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered both victims in a second-floor bedroom. Despite immediate transportation to Metro Hospital, both were later pronounced dead. According to Lieutenant Mike Norman of the Cleveland Fire Department, firefighters encountered significant heat and smoke in the bedroom, although there was minimal fire presence in that area.
A neighbor, Jason Kostura, expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and described witnessing the visible smoke and fire. Fire department officials have determined that the blaze originated on the front porch. However, the exact cause remains under investigation. It is also noteworthy that firefighters did not find any functioning smoke alarms in the home when they arrived on the scene.
The fire resulted in estimated damages of approximately $150,000 to the property. Compounding the situation, hoarding conditions within the residence complicated the search, rescue, and firefighting efforts. In light of this tragedy, the Cleveland Fire Department is proactively offering free smoke alarms and installation services to residents in need. Those interested can call 216-361-5535 to request assistance.
This devastating incident underscores the importance of fire safety and precautions within households. The absence of smoke alarms in the home is particularly concerning, as such devices can significantly increase the chances of survival in emergency situations. Community members are urged to take advantage of available resources to ensure their homes are equipped with functioning smoke alarms, which can be life-saving in the event of a fire.
As the community mourns the loss of Michelle Terwilliger and William Swincicki, many are reflecting on the couple’s contributions to the lives of those around them. Their legacy, particularly in service to the students at St. Stanislaus, will be remembered by friends, family, and community members during this difficult time.
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
