8 found dead, including 6 children, after suspicious house fire in Grand Haven Township
Authorities are investigating the suspicious deaths of eight family members — two adults and six children — after a house fire was discovered Friday morning in Ottawa County.
GRAND HAVEN TWP. — Authorities are investigating the suspicious deaths of eight family members — two adults and six children — after a house fire was discovered Friday morning in Ottawa County.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office and the Grand Haven Fire Department initially responded to the area between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. following reports of a smoke smell, though emergency responders were initially unable to locate a source.
Crews were called back to the neighborhood at approximately 11:40 a.m. after reports came in of white smoke rising from a home in the 14900 block of Riverside Trail. Firefighters entering the residence to suppress the flames and search for occupants discovered the victims inside.
Some of the victims had gunshot wounds, according to Ottawa County Sheriff's Captain Jake Sparks, who said it is unclear how many people had been shot.
"When they got inside, they noticed that there was several, numerous people deceased inside the home," Sparks told reporters Friday night.
He described the scene as "complicated" and "complex."
Please consider becoming a monthly donor!
Eight people were found inside, including six children believed to be between the ages of 5 and 15, Sparks said. Two adults were also found dead inside the residence.
Although the victims have not been publicly identified, all those found dead are believed to be from one family, Sparks said.
Autopsies are expected to be completed over the weekend.
GHAPS issues statement
Grand Haven Public Schools released a statement Friday night about the incident.
"It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge reports of a devastating incident in Grand Haven Township earlier today involving the loss of multiple lives, including several school-aged children," said Superintendent Kristin Perkowski. "Our Buccaneer family grieves alongside all those impacted by this tremendous loss. Please continue to care for yourselves and one another as our community processes this news together."
The district said it plans to support students in its buildings when the upcoming school year begins on Aug. 26 — and before, if needed.
"Although school is not currently in session, we will be ready to respond if and when additional information becomes available," Perkowski said.
She called the situation "a devastating incident and a tragic loss for our community. Our hearts are with all those impacted, and we know many throughout our community may be grieving and struggling to process this news."
If you or someone you know needs support, here are resources:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support anytime.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Ottawa County Community Mental Health: miottawa.org/cmh
Detectives with the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office remained at the scene into the evening, working alongside arson investigators from the Michigan State Police.
— To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
