City officials ordered the 10 Ford Street home to be boarded after the fire. (WHAV News photograph.)
Russell Damphousse, 68, a reportedly disabled man, has been identified as the sole victim of a two-family house fire on Ford Street early Saturday morning.
Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini confirmed the identity of the man who died in a first-floor apartment just before 4:30 a.m., at 10 Ford St.
“Despite a great job by all, tragically one life was lost,” Fiorentini said on social media. “Our thoughts and sympathy to his family,” he added. He thanked Haverhill Fire Department and the state Fire Marshall’s office for their efforts at the scene.
Damphouse’s 22-year-old biological daughter, Margo Fijux of Groveland, told WHAV her father suffered from emphysema, but she has not seen him in about four years.
The house, built around 1900, was owned by Erik and Kurt Schmakel, according to city records.
I’m devastated over the loss of my friend. I will miss him very much. Tragic.
RIP Russ