A fire in Franklin County has claimed the life of a man. The fire happened just before midnight at a mobile home located at McMicken Trailer Park on Franklin County Road 75, just east of Phil Campbell. Franklin County Sheriff Larry Plott says the body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for DNA testing to confirm the identity. However, one family is certain it's their loved one.
For Melanie Whitman, seeing the mobile home in ruins brings back bad memories and it is also a reminder of a very painful reality.
"Personally, I've been through four house fires myself since 1989," says Whitman. "It was really shocking to see everything I had taken away so fast and having to start all over. This is something you can't start over."
Whitman can't even begin to think what life will be like without her older brother, Shannon. The thought of not being able to see him smile or spend time with him hurts.
"He was very kind, very thoughtful," describes Whitman. "He was just an outstanding guy."
The family of 38-year-old Shannon James McLemore believes he died in a fire at his mobile home.
"It's like a bad dream you just want to wake up from," explains Whitman. "It's really a big shock and to got over and see it was just horrible."
The tate fire marshal's office is trying to figure out the cause of the fire. Right now, investigators are not sure how the blaze started or in what part of the trailer it started in. As authorities search for answers, Whitman and her family are trying to find comfort, strength, and peace.
"We're just trying to deal with it," says Whitman. "We trying to figure out a way to take care of a proper burial and have some closure."
Family members say McLemore had a lot of medical problems, which prevented him from getting insurance. They're asking for financial help to ensure that he receives a proper burial.
The family has set up the Shannon James McLemore Memorial Fund at CB&S Bank. Donations can be made at any branch location.
The family has also organized a motorcycle ride to raise money for McLemore's funeral expenses. The ride will be held Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Phil Campbell. There is a $10 participation fee.
For Melanie Whitman, seeing the mobile home in ruins brings back bad memories and it is also a reminder of a very painful reality.
"Personally, I've been through four house fires myself since 1989," says Whitman. "It was really shocking to see everything I had taken away so fast and having to start all over. This is something you can't start over."
Whitman can't even begin to think what life will be like without her older brother, Shannon. The thought of not being able to see him smile or spend time with him hurts.
"He was very kind, very thoughtful," describes Whitman. "He was just an outstanding guy."
The family of 38-year-old Shannon James McLemore believes he died in a fire at his mobile home.
"It's like a bad dream you just want to wake up from," explains Whitman. "It's really a big shock and to got over and see it was just horrible."
The tate fire marshal's office is trying to figure out the cause of the fire. Right now, investigators are not sure how the blaze started or in what part of the trailer it started in. As authorities search for answers, Whitman and her family are trying to find comfort, strength, and peace.
"We're just trying to deal with it," says Whitman. "We trying to figure out a way to take care of a proper burial and have some closure."
Family members say McLemore had a lot of medical problems, which prevented him from getting insurance. They're asking for financial help to ensure that he receives a proper burial.
The family has set up the Shannon James McLemore Memorial Fund at CB&S Bank. Donations can be made at any branch location.
The family has also organized a motorcycle ride to raise money for McLemore's funeral expenses. The ride will be held Saturday, June 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Piggly Wiggly grocery store in Phil Campbell. There is a $10 participation fee.
