Bermuda man was apparently trying to rescue his dogs when he died in fire

Bermuda man apparently died trying to save pets

HAMILTON, Bermuda — A retired businessman apparently was trying to save two pet dogs when he ran back into his burning home and died, authorities said Thursday.

Gordon Howard, 67, was found inside his home early Wednesday alongside the bodies of his two dogs, according to Fire Department Lt. Wenda Roberts. She said he had escaped from the blaze, but ran back into the house.

The Bermuda Broadcasting Company reported the dogs were a German Shepherd named Casey and a Pomeranian named Abby. Neighbor Bill Thomson says Howard was very attached to the dogs.

Roberts says Howard’s wife and two daughters escaped the fire, whose cause was under investigation.

The Royal Gazette newspaper reported that Howard was born in Liverpool, England, came to Bermuda to work as a police officer and later worked in finance.

Howard also played soccer in Bermuda and was a director of the Kidderminster Harriers Football Club in England. The club announced his death on its website.