Booker T. Bracy, 79, and his wife Catherine, 74, lived in their Rohns Street home for over 40 years, but early Thursday morning their house caught fire with them, their daughter, 18-year-old granddaughter and son-in-law inside.
Firefighters say the teen had to jump to escape the flames. Her parents managed to escape through the rear of the house on Detroit's east side.
Firefighters found Mrs. Bracy huddled inside and were able to rescue her. She remains in critical condition.
Firefighters were able to pull Mr. Bracy, a retired Chrysler worker, out of the burning house, but relatives say he went into cardiac arrest and died.
The fire appears to be accidental, but investigators are still trying to determine the cause.
Relatives say Booker T. Bracy and his wife are members of Second Baptist Church in Greektown. Neighbors say they are also known and respected in the area.
