It's been two days since the devastating news. A young couple about to be married, found dead after a fire at Woodland Villa Apartments in Westland. Family says 26-year-old Ben Kelley and 20-year-old Lisa Back died of smoke inhalation. A joint memorial service is planned for Saturday.
A friend to many, fiancé to Back, the 2nd oldest of 4 kids, son to Kevin and Paula …
If the life of 26 year old Ben Kelley could be summed up in a single word, it would be: Generous.
"He was a giver, that’s all he did was give. It was so cool," says Kevin Kelley, Ben's father.
Giving of his heart, his time and his money.
"He was a mentor to just about everyone. He’s the kind of kid, if he knows you like something, he will surprise you with it. A lot of it," says Kevin.
"He gave the biggest, we called them 'bone crushing' hugs," says Ben's mom Paula, "he was a good hugger."
Ben was engaged to be married on October 6th. A wrestler in high school, Ben began practicing Judo in college while majoring in IT at Eastern Michigan University. According to his parents he enjoyed travel, loved his family and friends and owned more suits than most men his age.
"He loved to wear suits! He had to dress sharp, that was his thing," says Paula
The past 2 days since Kevin and Paula learn their son was killed have been the hardest of their lives.
Ben and Lisa had only lived in the Westland apartment building for 6 months, when authorities say a man on the second floor fell asleep while cooking dinner, accidentally starting a fire that quickly spread, trapping people on the second and third floors. Firefighters rescued many, but were unable to find Ben and Lisa until the next morning.
Kevin and Paula say their Christian faith has given them strength and peace.
"But it’s still something, no one should ever have to bury their child, ever," says Paula.
"But I have confidence, I know they’re at peace. I know it. But I’m gonna miss him," says Kevin.
In the midst of unspeakable pain, overwhelming support from the community has brought them joy.
"Just so much support, it’s been amazing.
To the friends and strangers who are praying for them
"We know. We need it. And we can feel it."
The Westland Fire Department donated $1500 for funeral expenses. Kevin says they called, spoke with Paula and apologized saying they really tried hard to find Ben and Lisa. Kevin and Paula so appreciate that phone call and want publicly thank those firefighters for everything they did Sunday morning and for their donation.
Woodland Villa Apartments gave $15,000 towards a memorial service for Lisa and Ben. Both families are grateful for that donation and the many other shows of support from those in the community.
