(Getty)
Four people have been killed after a major inferno at the Tampa home of retired tennis superstar, James Blake, reports WTSP. The station reports that the fire broke out early on the morning of May 7.
James Blake retired from professional tennis in 2013. At one point in his career he was ranked as the number one American male.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Blake Wasn’t There
James Blake was not home at the time of the fire. According to the local sheriff’s department, the 911 call was made by a neighbor at around 5:45 a.m. The Tampa Bay Times reports that Blake may have rented the home out. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s office, the fire was intentionally set. The house was occupied by two adults and two teenagers.
2. Firefighters Saw Fireworks ‘Strapped to a Dead Man’s Head’
TMZ reports that firefighters saw “fireworks strapped to the head of one of the bodies.” The identities of those dead in the home has not been established. The sheriff’s office said that there were fireworks scattered through the house. Two of the victims were said to have upper body trauma.
3. The House is in an Exclusive Golf Club
Blake’s home at 16223 Sierra de Avilla. (Google Maps)
WTSP TV in Tampa Bay confirmed through property records that Blake owns the nearly 6,000-square foot mansion at 1622 Sierra de Avila. The mansion is inside the Avila Golf and Country Club in Tampa.
(Getty)
The club launched in 1980, and its prestigious course was redesigned in 1988 by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
4. A Neighbor Said He Saw an ‘Instant Fireball Inferno’
TMZ reports a neighbor saying he saw an “instant fireball inferno” after hearing several loud booms coming from the garage. The neighbor added that he hadn’t seen Blake around much lately and he hasn’t lived there for a year.
5. The Fire Burned For Hours
Here's a shot of the exterior of 16223 Sierra de Avila. 2 bodies found in burning million dollar home. pic.twitter.com/9YGaBOJe3X
— Meredyth Censullo (@MeredythTV) May 7, 2014
There is no report about the cause of the fire. TMZ Sports says that the scene is so dangerous, fire officials won’t able to remove the bodies until tomorrow.
