RICHMOND, Va (WRIC) – Richmond Fire was called to the 500 block of Argyle Terrace in the St. John’s Woods Apartment complex on Richmond’s Southside.
Crews arrived around 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning to find heavy smoke and fire showing. After crews searched the property they found one male inside, he was pronounced dead on the scene.
The family contacted 8News through the American Red Cross and they tell us the victim was 26-year-old Derek Henderson.
The fire is still under investigation but is believed to have started in the kitchen.
No other residents were injured. The American Red Cross is currently assisting 3 displaced family members, including two children. One of the children is an infant.
“They’re in a state of shock, trying to figure out what’s next,” said Christy Corneal, who volunteers with Red Cross. “Then compound that with a fatality, and it’s not something we’d even begin to imagine.”
Red Cross will assist with the family’s immediate needs including shelter, clothing and food. Once the family determines their long-timer needs, they may need help from the community.
There will be a vigil Wednesday at 5 p.m. at Forest Hill Park.
A GoFund Me account has been created to help pay for funeral arrangements and to ensure the stability of Henderson’s two young children.
Stay with 8News for any further updates.
