By Carol Stiffler
A McMillan man is dead after a devastating fire early in the morning on Wednesday, March 9. Derrick Maddox, 42, was a well known drummer on the local rock music scene and leaves behind thousands of friends and acquaintances.
Release of Maddox’s name was delayed while a required autopsy confirmed his identification and next of kin were notified. The fire completely destroyed his home at 7177 County Road 415 in McMillan. The severity of the fire initially made it difficult to determine if anyone had been home at the time, said Lt. Mark Giannunzio of the Michigan State Police, and a MSP Canine Unit assisted with the search and recovery.
A cause for the fire has not been determined, according to Giannunzio. The fire remains under investigation, and more information will be shared when it is available.
Troopers were assisted by Columbus Township Fire, Luce County Fire and Luce County Sheriff’s Department. The MSP fire investigator are also involved with this investigation.
