CHIEF negotiator dies in east Houston house fire

Houston Chronicle ^ | October 4, 2001 | S.K. BARDWELL

[Taxman]

A 53-year-old man died in an early morning house fire in southeast Houston today.

The man, whose name has not yet been released [I confirmed that this was, indeed, my FRiend, Herb Meadows, known to all of us on FRee Republic by his screen name, "CHIEF negotiator"] was found by Houston firefighters in a bathroom in the rear of his home in the 8000 block of Glencrest, after the house burned about 1:30 a.m.

Firefighters said the man's wife told them she was watching television in the home's living room when she heard a loud pop and her husband shouting from the back of the home.

The woman tried unsuccessfully to rescue her husband, firefighters said. She was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation symptoms.

Firefighters said it appeared the man tried to get out of the burning home, but the heavy smoke entered the bathroom, where he collapsed.

Arson investigators are at the scene of the fire this morning looking for its cause.

[Billy_bob_bob]

I was reading that post yesterday and thinking how right on that guy was. Now he's gone. My deepest condolences to his family. I will miss him.

[ELS]

How sad! May he rest in peace.

[Humidston]

There's a hole in my heart. He taught me beginners HTML. He was our dear friend. I owed him an email.... God....

[kevkrom]

I don't know what to say... CHIEF will certainly be missed.

[Constitution Day]

I will pray for him & his family.

I just read his "Sorry, Marine..." post last night; seeing it again gives me chills.

[patent]

I read that post, it was touching. This is so sad. Prayers for the family.

patent

[Interesting Times]

Terrible news. My respects to the CHIEF and condolences to his family.

We need to find out if this was an accident.

[Nate505]

That's terrible news....my prayers go out for him and his family.... :(

[Inspector Harry Callahan]

This is terrible news. Prayers for his family and friends.

[M Kehoe]

Very sad. I always enjoyed bantering with the CHIEF.

I will say a prayer.

5.56mm

[logos]

Such a sad piece of news. Prayers for the Chief's family, and for all who knew and loved him.

Hug those you love today, friends.

[Dog]

Ping!

[firewalk]

I'm so sorry to hear this. My sympathy, and prayers go out to his family.

[Syncro]

Oh no this is horrible.

He gave so much here.

My prayers and thoughts for his wife and family, what a tragedy

[Nita Nupress]

I'm just numb. I can't believe this.

[mafree]

I can't believe this- very very sad news. CHIEF was on top of those tax issues and he will be missed. Rest in peace CHIEF Negotiator.

[NY.SS-Bar9]

R.I.P. Marine

[bluecollarman]

Man... I always enjoyed his posts, he will be greatly missed. All Marines please muster and bump this post. Semper Fi!

[pubmom]

I will.
This is incredibly sad.

[lowbridge]

bump