Tributes paid to Luke who died in fire
I haven’t seen one bad word written about him, says his brother
THE fire which killed a popular Hinckley man was sparked by a chip pan fire investigators have said.
Luke Tugby, 30, was rescued from his home on Trinity Lane on the morning of Februrary 4 but, despite the best efforts of firefighters and medics, could not be saved.
Concluding investigations into the fire, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the cause of the fire was a chip pan.
Peter Tugby said his brother Luke had been out celebrating getting a new job the previous night.
After returning home be began cooking chips but fell asleep and never woke up.
Speaking to our sister paper The Leicester Mercury he paid tribute to his brother, whose death has shocked the local community.
He said: “We are all feeling lost, we are all grieving, we are completely distraught.
“No matter where he was, no matter who he was with, he could walk into the room and everyone would start smiling.
“I have never in my life known anybody to have a problem with Luke or be angry with him.
Luke worked for National Grid in customer care, but he was due to start a new job in just a few weeks.
Peter said: “He had just been for a job interview and he got that job - that was one of the reasons he was out celebrating.”
“He came home, put the chip pan on and fell asleep in the middle of the room. “Then he just never woke up. “I don’t know one person that hasn’t done that. It just doesn’t always end in such a tragic way.
“It’s just a clumsy thing - my brother was one of the most intelligent lads I have known.”
Peter said the support the family had received was “fantastic”.
He said: “We haven’t got a thing, we are broke, we are skint, but if anyone was going to make anything out of the family name, it would have been Luke.
“The amazing thing about Luke is, I haven’t seen one bad thing written about him, even when the police investigation was going on.”
Luke’s girlfriend, Alex Lowe, laid bare her heartbreak at the tragedy in a tribute she sent to the Mercury.
She said: “My darling Luke, I feel that the time we have had together has not been enough.
“Seven precious years with you by my side.
“All our hopes and dreams of starting a family have gone with your passing.
“I don’t know what I am going to do without you. I bet you have even started your next heavy metal band up there. RIP to my beautiful Luke from your Princess.”
Luke’s funeral will be held on Tuesday, February 20, at St Simon and St Jude in Earl Shilton. All inquiries should be directed to Seller’s of Hinckley.
Concluding the investigation into the fire, a statement from the fire service said: “A house fire on Trinity Lane, Hinckley, claimed the life of the male occupant on the morning of Sunday February 4.
“A fire investigation took place which determined the fire was caused by a chip pan.
“Three appliances attended the incident, two from Hinckley Fire and Rescue Station and one from Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the property and rescued the male occupant who was trapped inside.
“Despi t e our best efforts to resuscitate him, he sadly passed away at the scene.
“This is a terrible tragedy and the thoughts of the Fire and Rescue Service are with the family and friends of the deceased.
“We are fortunate that this type of tragedy seldom happens.”
Officers from the fire service spent time around Trinity Lane over the weekend to reassure residents and to offer advice on how to avoid similar fires in their home including the fitting of smoke alarms, making escape plans, cooking safety and the offer of free home fire safety checks.
A range of fire safety tips can be found at www.leices-tershire-fire.gov.uk/your-safety/at-home.