Nephew (Through Marriage) of Laurie Sands Harrison Killed in Weekend University Park Duplex Fire

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Dallas Morning News photo

This is just a parents’ (or anyone’s) worst nightmare, sad news indeed: an 18-year-old man was killed in a fire early Saturday morning in University Park in the 3700 block of Northwest Parkway at about 2 a.m.. Firefighters entered the burning duplex, were greeted by smoke and flames, and found the young man in a bedroom. They immediately performed CPR and transported him to Parkland, where he was reported dead.

Police said he was the only occupant home during the fire, which originated on the stovetop in the kitchen. No other occupants or properties were damaged seriously, including the attached duplex.

The victim was identified as James Harrison, 18. He is the son of Frank Harrison’s brother –Frank is Laurie’s husband. Of course we want to know how this could have happened, why didn’t the smoke detector wake him, what caused the fire on the stove, but mostly, we just want to give this family our deepest, most heartfelt condolences.

Candy Evans, founder and publisher of CandysDirt.com, is one of the nation’s leading real estate reporters.

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  1. Cheryl on July 10, 2012 at 11:27 am

    🙁 A parent is never prepared to bury their child, no matter their age.

  2. Cheryl on July 10, 2012 at 11:27 am

    🙁 A parent is never prepared to bury their child, no matter their age.

  3. Karen on July 10, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    “through marriage” tag completely unnecessary and crass, how about beloved son of (fill in blank), relative of Frank and Leslie Harrison? Or maybe 2012 HPHS grad, anything but the ‘wasn’t one of them’ headline used – have a little more respect for the dead and the individual – seems the important lead was Dallas class strata not loss of young life – pretty pathetic

  4. Karen on July 10, 2012 at 10:14 pm

    “through marriage” tag completely unnecessary and crass, how about beloved son of (fill in blank), relative of Frank and Leslie Harrison? Or maybe 2012 HPHS grad, anything but the ‘wasn’t one of them’ headline used – have a little more respect for the dead and the individual – seems the important lead was Dallas class strata not loss of young life – pretty pathetic

  5. Candy Evans on July 10, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    Karen, my apologies. I truly thought that was the correct way to refer to the young man, my thinking was nowhere along the lines of “not one of them”. I have several nieces and nephews on my husband’s side, and we always say “through marriage” or “through Walter”, mostly because none of them resemble me. That was not my intention at all. I have a 21 year old nephew (through marriage) and a 37 year old one olus a 16 year old great nephew (through my late sister). My son is 28. I have always monitored where they live for fear of dangers such as this. If I am wrong, please forgive my ignorance. This is a blog about real estate and homes and the dangers therein. The loss of this young life with his potential is horrific, and my heart aches for his parents.

  6. Candy Evans on July 10, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    Karen, my apologies. I truly thought that was the correct way to refer to the young man, my thinking was nowhere along the lines of “not one of them”. I have several nieces and nephews on my husband’s side, and we always say “through marriage” or “through Walter”, mostly because none of them resemble me. That was not my intention at all. I have a 21 year old nephew (through marriage) and a 37 year old one olus a 16 year old great nephew (through my late sister). My son is 28. I have always monitored where they live for fear of dangers such as this. If I am wrong, please forgive my ignorance. This is a blog about real estate and homes and the dangers therein. The loss of this young life with his potential is horrific, and my heart aches for his parents.

  7. Becky on July 10, 2012 at 11:57 pm

    Ouch. I do agree with Karen, but totally believe that you did not intend to imply anything negative. This news is terribly tragic and our thoughts are with the family.

    It's worth noting that times have changed and the way we've referred to people in the past is NOT the way people want to be referred to today. For example, long ago we used to say "adopted son or daughter", but parents of "adopted" children rightly called us all on that and it's not acceptable in most circles now. Both Emily Post and Dear Abby have had to update their responses in the 21st century world. I'm afraid your reasoning of "they don't resemble me" is another "ouch"…equally out of touch today when many would respond that not only is that considered a very personal remark, but some natural children don't resemble the parents anyway. It's just basically something you don't say. I've never explained nieces or nephews with regard to who they are "through"…they are just nieces and nephews.

    No ill will intended with my comments…I've certainly had my share of faux pas that were totally unintentional.

  8. Becky on July 10, 2012 at 11:57 pm

    Ouch. I do agree with Karen, but totally believe that you did not intend to imply anything negative. This news is terribly tragic and our thoughts are with the family.

    It's worth noting that times have changed and the way we've referred to people in the past is NOT the way people want to be referred to today. For example, long ago we used to say "adopted son or daughter", but parents of "adopted" children rightly called us all on that and it's not acceptable in most circles now. Both Emily Post and Dear Abby have had to update their responses in the 21st century world. I'm afraid your reasoning of "they don't resemble me" is another "ouch"…equally out of touch today when many would respond that not only is that considered a very personal remark, but some natural children don't resemble the parents anyway. It's just basically something you don't say. I've never explained nieces or nephews with regard to who they are "through"…they are just nieces and nephews.

    No ill will intended with my comments…I've certainly had my share of faux pas that were totally unintentional.

  9. Candy Evans on July 11, 2012 at 12:06 am

    Very insightful Becky and I stand corrected. I will reach for Emily Post's updated bible and try living in the 21st century. You are correct in that I absolutely meant no harm. Don't forget I was not reared in the south — I think Southerners are raised with better manners. Certainly this is one area in which my children surpass me.

  10. Candy Evans on July 11, 2012 at 12:06 am

    Very insightful Becky and I stand corrected. I will reach for Emily Post's updated bible and try living in the 21st century. You are correct in that I absolutely meant no harm. Don't forget I was not reared in the south — I think Southerners are raised with better manners. Certainly this is one area in which my children surpass me.

  11. Melinda on July 11, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    The real faux pas is that Frank and Laurie are no longer married.

  12. Melinda on July 11, 2012 at 4:57 pm

    The real faux pas is that Frank and Laurie are no longer married.

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