North Haven Mourns John Morris and Aurelian Kamp After Tragic House Fire

North Haven, Connecticut — The peaceful neighborhood of George Street in North Haven awoke to tragedy early Monday morning when a fierce residential fire claimed the lives of John Morris, 72, and Aurelian Kamp, 8. The devastating blaze, which erupted shortly after midnight, has shaken the tight-knit Connecticut community, leaving behind heartbreak, unanswered questions, and a deep sense of collective mourning.

According to officials from the North Haven Fire Department, the alarm was first received at approximately 12:15 a.m., reporting heavy flames visible from the two-story family home. Firefighters arrived within minutes to find the structure already engulfed in smoke and fire. Neighbors reported hearing sirens and seeing crews rush to the scene as the inferno illuminated the quiet residential street.

Despite the swift response, the flames had already spread through much of the home. Firefighters entered the burning residence in an attempt to rescue anyone trapped inside. After battling thick smoke and intense heat, responders discovered John Morris, a long-time resident of North Haven, and Aurelian Kamp, a young boy visiting the home that night. Both were pulled from the structure and treated immediately on-site, but despite every effort by first responders and paramedics, neither could be revived.

Authorities later confirmed that John Morris, 72, was well-known in the community — a retired engineer and Vietnam-era veteran who had lived on George Street for nearly four decades. Neighbors describe him as a man of quiet kindness, always ready to lend a hand with a snow shovel in winter or share vegetables from his summer garden. “John was the kind of neighbor everyone hopes for,” said longtime resident Nancy Keller, who has lived across the street for 20 years. “He looked out for everyone — especially the kids on the block.”

Aurelian Kamp, just 8 years old, was remembered as bright, curious, and full of life. He was visiting the home with family friends that evening. Known affectionately as “Auri” by his classmates at Clintonville Elementary School, he loved drawing, space exploration, and playing soccer in the local youth league. “He brought so much energy into every room,” said Principal Denise Marino, who spoke tearfully about his joyful nature. “He made his classmates laugh every single day.”

Investigators from the Connecticut State Fire Marshal’s Office and North Haven Police Department are now working together to determine the cause of the blaze. Early indications suggest that it may have started in the kitchen area, though officials emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing. Fire Chief Paul Januszewski said that the team is reviewing all possible sources, including electrical wiring and heating appliances. “At this stage, we are looking carefully at all factors,” he stated. “Our priority is to understand exactly what happened so the families can have answers.”

The tragedy has drawn an overwhelming outpouring of community support. Within hours, neighbors began leaving flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes on the front lawn of the damaged home. The North Haven Congregational Church announced that it would hold a vigil on Wednesday evening to honor both victims, offering space for residents to grieve together and share memories.

Town officials, including First Selectman Michael Freda, released a statement expressing deep sorrow and solidarity with the families. “The loss of John Morris and young Aurelian Kamp is an unimaginable tragedy,” Freda said. “Our hearts are with their loved ones, and our community stands united in compassion and support.”

As investigators continue their work, the story of John Morris and Aurelian Kamp has become a symbol of North Haven’s resilience and unity. Two lives — one that had seen decades of quiet service and one just beginning to bloom — were lost too soon, but their legacies of kindness, warmth, and love continue to echo through the town they both touched.

For now, the home on George Street stands silent, its charred frame a somber reminder of how quickly life can change. But in North Haven, grief has turned into action — with fundraisers, vigils, and neighbors standing shoulder to shoulder, determined to remember not the fire, but the lives and light of John Morris and Aurelian Kamp.