The coroner has released the identity of a U.S. Army veteran, remembered as a “devoted” father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who was found dead by a relative inside his house that caught fire in Lake in the Hills.
The Huntley Fire Protection District and Lake in the Hills Police Department responded around 1:07 p.m. on April 20 to the 1000 block of Brittany Bend in Lake in the Hills for a report of a fire investigation.
Huntley Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Michael Pierce said a family member went to the residence to check on a relative.
The family member found their relative deceased and noted that there appeared to have been a fire.
McHenry County Coroner Dr. Michael Rein identified him as Jack D. Murdock Sr., 76, of Lake in the Hills.
Firefighters arrived and found no signs of active fire from the exterior of the single-story house, Pierce said.
Further investigation revealed significant fire damage inside the residence.
Pierce said firefighters then located Murdock deceased inside the home while investigating.
“With no active fire or additional hazards identified, crews exited the residence and secured the scene,” Pierce said.
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office were requested to the scene. Utility companies also responded to secure gas and electricity.
The house was deemed uninhabitable due to the extent of the damage.
Pierce said preliminary findings indicate the incident does not appear to be suspicious in nature.
Rein said an autopsy was performed but toxicology results are pending and no cause or manner of death has been determined.
An obituary for Murdock said his passing leaves a “deep void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.”
Murdock was a “proud veteran” of the United States Army, which was a chapter in his life he held in “great honor,” his obituary said.
“He went on to build a long and steady career in warehouse management, where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. More than anything, Jack was a lifelong, die-hard Chicago Cubs Fan,” his obituary said.
“He will lovingly be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, along with his catch phrase of ‘Rise-N-Shine.’ Jack found his greatest joy in his family and took pride in watching it grow through the generations,” the obituary added.
Murdock leaves behind three children, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Huntley Fire Protection District, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, McHenry County Coroner’s Office and the Lake in the Hills Police Department.