Late Tuesday, Lubbock Fire Rescue released the 911 call of a man who worried Andrew Stover, 44, was inside during a house fire at 8806 9th Street on January 24.
The caller’s name was edited out of the audio but he did reveal that he was a former volunteer firefighter.
The Lubbock County Medical Examiner later ruled that Stover set the fire and then shot himself.
At first, Stover’s family rejected suicide as an explanation.
However, on Wednesday the family said, “In light of that evidence, we no longer question the conclusions of the medical examiner.”
But at the time of the fire, the caller clearly had no information on Stover’s status.
“I think there’s people inside, but I’m not sure,” the 911 caller said. “Usually if the pickup [truck] is here he’s here.”
The caller was heard repeatedly banging on the front door to get Stover’s attention.
At one point he yelled, “Hey, I think your house is on fire!”
“I’m debating on whether to break the door down,” the caller told a 911 dispatcher. She encouraged him not to go inside.
Not having any fire gear — including a self-contained breathing apparatus — and not certain if anyone was inside, the caller decided not to force the front door.
“We have been deeply touched by the outpouring of support from the community and wish to extend our gratitude to the people of Lubbock,” the family said Wednesday in a written statement.
To hear the entire 911 audio, use the video link above.
