Man identified in home explosion

Fundraiser for family members raises over $9,000

SEQUIM — The man killed in a home explosion in Sequim last week has been identified as Paul Lewis, 63, according to the Clallam County Coroner’s Division of the prosecuting attorney’s office.

Lewis was the homeowner of the destroyed residence and was the sole occupant at the time of the blast, the coroner’s division said Monday in a news release.

An online fundraiser at gofundme.com had collected more than $9,000 in two days for Lewis’ wife, Laurie Lewis, who was away when the explosion occurred.

“In the terrible tragedy that occurred on June Place, Laurie lost not only her home, all its contents including memories and sentimental items, but heartbreakingly, she lost her husband, Paul and grand-dog, Libby,” the fundraiser said.

The home at 132 June Place exploded at about 7 p.m. July 18, killing Paul Lewis, one dog and blowing out windows of nearby homes. Neighbors recovered another dog that had suffered minor injuries.

Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Chief Criminal Deputy Amy Bundy said Friday that propane, oxygen and other welding supplies were found in the home, which likely led to the explosion, but could not say what caused the ignition. No foul play is suspected.

________

Reporter Peter Segall can be reached at peter.segall@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Investigators seeking woman who used ATM

Items involved in officer-involved shooting sent to state crime lab

Benji Astrachan of Sisterland Farms collects bins of unwanted food collected by restaurants at the Wharf in Port Angeles. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Certification connects businesses, sustainable practices

Green Wheel designation focusing on diverting waste from landfills

Health report prompts concerns

Food bank leaders: Rodent problem being addressed

Port Angeles approves funds for housing project

City also OKs five-year police body-worn camera contract

Greywolf Elementary shelters in place during police activity

A man has been arrested following police activity in the… Continue reading

Turns restricted during roundabout construction

Drivers will not be able to make left turns at… Continue reading

Scheduled bridge closures canceled

Overnight closures of the Hood Canal bridge on state Highway… Continue reading

Sequim schools plan cuts to staff

District aims to reduce force by 28 positions

Timeline set to replace Port Townsend City Council member

Applications open in June, candidate selected in August

Fish passage project begins today

Work crews will begin another fish passage improvement project on… Continue reading

Sen. Kevin Van de Wege.
Van de Wege honored as Legislator of Year

The Washington Farm Bureau has recognized state Sen. Kevin Van… Continue reading

U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, with Maya MacGuineas, president of the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.
Kilmer recognized by committee as Fiscal Hero

U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer has been recognized as Fiscal… Continue reading