INDIANAPOLIS -- One man was killed Friday morning after a house fire on Indianapolis' northwest side.
The fire department was called to the 5000 block of Alameda Road around 3:30 a.m.
Two people were inside the house when the fire broke out: the man and his pregnant wife.
The woman smelled smoke and managed to climb out a window. When fire crews arrived, they found the man on the floor next to a couch.
He was taken to Eskenazi Health in critical condition, where he later died. Fire crews say his wife is 37 weeks pregnant.
The man has been identified as Steve Zuhlke. His wife has been identified as Kat Zuhlke.
Family members were at the house after the fire crews finished clearing it to be with the woman.
The woman told fire crews there were smoke detectors inside the house, but it was the smoke that woke her.
Mr. Zuhlke was a Murat Shrine. The Murat Shriners released the following about his death:
The Nobles and Brothers of Murat Shrine are morning the loss of Noble Steve Zuhlke, who perished in a fire at his family residence this morning. A 20 year member of Murat Shriners, Steve had a passion for the 22 Shriners Hospitals and the Children they serve. Steve and his wife Kat are expecting the delivery of their 1st child in 2 weeks and he could not wait to be a father. He was one of the Murat's hardest workers, promoting our Hospital philanthropies and the Fraternity. The Indianapolis community lost a great man today.
A memorial fund is being established for Kat and their unborn child. Donations may be sent to Steve Zuhlke Memorial Fund, PO Box 936, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.
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