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Officials ID man killed, firefighter injured in Smith County house fire

According to Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks, the blaze broke out at a residence on County Road 1113 near Highway 155.

SMITH COUNTY, Texas — Smith County officials have a identified a man with special needs and mobility issues who died in a house fire Wednesday night in the Noonday area. 

Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks says Jack McKenzie Ross, 35, passed away after resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. 

Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Ross,” Brooks said. “This is a tragic event, which has left a huge hole in his family.”

The blaze broke out around 8 p.m. at a residence in the 11300 County Road 1113 near Highway 155. Crews were told a man was trapped inside the home.

The mother and brother of the man were able to escape unharmed.

"And she [mother] was screaming 'my baby, my baby,' she was obviously distraught. I mean, this is just an unfathomable answer," said Brooks.

It is believed Ross was asleep when the fire occurred, and firefighters have not been able to confirm if there was a working smoke detector within the home.

Brooks also said a firefighter, identified as Cameron Franks, 26, was taken to a local medical center for observation after he was hit by a power line. He has since been treated and released.

At this time, officials have not determined a cause of the fire. However, officials say the fire broke out in a separate room from where Ross died. 

The house was destroyed, according to officials.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.  

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