Man who died in Key Peninsula house fire July 4 identified by medical examiner
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- Robert Willis, 81, died from smoke inhalation in a July 4 house fire in Wauna.
- Pierce County officials ruled the death accidental and found no foul play.
- Eight other residents, including four young children, escaped without injury.
A man who died in a house fire on July 4 in the Wauna area has been identified, according to a news release from the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Robert Willis, 81 of Gig Harbor, died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, the release said. His manner of death was ruled an accident.
The News Tribune reported that a structure fire broke out at 2:17 a.m. on July 4, in the 7500 block of 144th Street Court Northwest. The fire wasn’t related to any fireworks, and the cause is under investigation.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office also responded and posted about the fire on social media, noting that the “two homeowners, their adult daughter, son-in-law, and four grandchildren all escaped without injuries.” Deputies determined after searching the premises that another reported resident, a man in his 80s, hadn’t been able to escape, the post said.
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Carly Cappetto said the four grandchildren were “all pretty young kiddos.” She said she thought the eight occupants who escaped had no injuries.
Deputies don’t see anything “malicious about the fire at this time” or signs of foul play. Deputies won’t be furthering their death investigation or pressing any charges, she told The News Tribune.
This story was originally published July 9, 2025 at 2:38 PM.
