WMC-TV: News, Weather, Traffic, Radar, and Sports for Memphis, TN; WMCTV.com | Elderly Tate County man dies in fire
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By Chip Washington - bio | email
TATE COUNTY, MS (WMC-TV) - An elderly Tate County resident was killed in a fire early Monday morning.
Investigators said Emmitt Floyd, 86, died in a fire that broke out in his double-wide trailer just after 3:00 a.m. Floyd's wife, Connie, was treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation.
Family members like Floyd's sister-in-law, Cathy Criss, spoke about him lovingly.
"He'd do anything he could for you," Criss said.
According to Criss, Floyd's wife woke him up, and she thought he was behind her as they tried to escape the flames. When she got outside and looked back, he was gone.
While fire investigators have not determined what caused the blaze, Criss had a theory.
"We're just speculating - space heater - speculating at this moment until the Fire Marshall determines. That's all we know at this time."
In the meantime, family members are mourning their loss.
"There are no words you can really say, nothing you can do but only pray about it," Criss said. "I know he's in heaven. God was on his side."
According to Criss, Emmitt and Connie Floyd got married just four months ago.
Fire officials in Tate County said they expected to begin their official investigation into the blaze on Tuesday.
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