28-year-old JMU student dies after early morning apartment fire off campus

HARRISONBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- A 28-year-old James Madison University (JMU) student is dead after a fire broke out in an off-campus apartment early Friday morning.

A spokesperson with the university confirmed to 8News that Lorenzo Gibbs, a senior majoring in integrated science and technology, is dead following what the Harrison Fire Department described as an "accidental" fire that occurred off campus at around midnight on Friday, Feb. 27.

The Harrisonburg Fire Department was dispatched to the 1400 block of Devon Lane for a report of smoke in an apartment building, per a Feb. 27 release.

Fire officials told 911 dispatchers that he believed there was a fire in the apartment below his, with smoke coming through the floor vents.

When units arrived, they found a large volume of smoke coming from a ground-level apartment at the back of the building. Units found smoke in the apartment and fire in the kitchen area.

Crews were able to locate an unconscious man who was in cardiac arrest inside the home and remove him. Fire officials said he had no pulse and was not breathing.

Paramedics attempted life-saving measures, and he was taken to Sentara RMH, where he was later pronounced dead at about 1 a.m. Friday.

On Friday afternoon, Tim Miller, the university's Vice President for Student Affairs, confirmed that Gibbs, a current student, was the victim who died following the accidental fire. He shared the following statement with 8News:

"James Madison University is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a current student, Lorenzo Gibbs, who died in an accidental off‑campus fire. Lorenzo was a senior majoring in Integrated Science & Technology.

Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Lorenzo’s family, friends and all who knew him. University leadership is committed to supporting our community during this difficult time, and resources remain available for students, faculty and staff who may need assistance.” Tim Miller, JMU Vice President for Student Affairs

The fire department said they determined the incident to be an accidental cooking-related fire.

The fire was extinguished in under 10 minutes with less than 50 gallons of water, with officials saying they estimate the damage to cost about $25,000.

“Our department is heartbroken,” Fire Chief Matthew Tobia said in a press release. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of this young man who had his entire life ahead of him. I am grateful to everyone who did all they could to try to save his life, and my heart goes out to all in our community who are suffering from this loss.”

Harrisonburg Police Department, Harrisonburg Rescue Squad and Rockingham County Fire Rescue assisted the fire department, with the last unit clearing the scene at about 3:45 a.m., per a release.