21-year-old dies from EGR house fire

EAST GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Colin Grenn, 21, who was in critical condition after an East Grand Rapids house fire, died Tuesday.

But his organs were donated so others could live.

Grenn's family is pleased with his decision to pass along the gift of life.

"What we're planning on doing is celebrating May 19 now as a birthday for our family and all those that receive his organs today," said Doreen Dill, Grenn's aunt.

The family also will mark May 19 as a day to remember Grenn.

"Colin always had lots of hugs to give, that's what I remember about Colin," said Nichole Kmiecik, a friend of Grenn's. "He grew into this beautiful young man."

The fire occurred May 13 at a house in the 2200 block of Lake Drive, near East Grand Rapids High. Grenn was trapped on the second floor, but eventually rescued by firefighters and treated for smoke inhalation at Spectrum Butterworth.

Grenn's brother Jesse and his roommate Kristen Sternberger survived the blaze.

The fire began in Jesse Grenn's bedrom, likely from careless smoking or an unattended candle. The second floor smoke dtector had not batteries in it, having been removed by someone in the house because they were chirping (the signal for dead batteries.) It's not know if the first floor smoke detector was working.

"Everything about him was amazing," Sternberger said.

Originally from Onekema, Grenn was a business student at Grand Valley State University.

Grenn's family said support from the hospital and the mayor of East Grand Rapids, among others, has meant the world.

"It's very difficult for me because he was a phenomenal young man," Dill said. "He loved life."

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.

A fund has been set up at Fifth Third bank. His family created a Web site in his memory, weheartcolin.com.