SALISBURY, Md. — UPDATE: The cause of the fire has been determined to be a power cord from a lamp in the living room, said the Office of the State Fire Marshal on Oct. 16.
No further details were provided. Investigators examined the scene "for hours" before concluding the cause and closing the case.
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UPDATE: Salisbury University sent a letter to the community about how they can help Jim Berkman's family:
Members of the SU Community,
Many of you are aware of a tragic weekend fire that destroyed the home of Men’s Lacrosse Coach Jim Berkman and his wife, Jenn, both members of the SU family. While we are thankful that no human lives were lost, three family pets unfortunately perished in the fire.
The Berkman family is grateful for the outpouring of support they have received from SU students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as those from the greater Salisbury area, and national lacrosse and university athletics communities. Many have asked how they can help. The family has let us know that gift cards from local restaurants — especially those known for good salads — would be useful, as they will be without a kitchen for the foreseeable future.
Gift cards and notes of encouragement may be dropped off at the SU Alumni House, 1120 Camden Ave., from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Those from outside the area may send cards and notes to: Berkman Family, C/O Salisbury University Alumni Engagement Office, 1120 Camden Ave., Salisbury, MD 21801.
For those who wish to honor of the Berkmans with a philanthropic gift, Coach Berkman welcomes continued support of the men’s lacrosse program [communications.salisbury.edu].
Once again, the Sea Gull community has proven that it stands together in times of tragedy. Thank you for your continued well wishes and support.
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Two cats and a dog died in a Sunday morning fire in Salisbury, and two firefighters suffered minor injuries.
The house belongs to Salisbury University men's lacrosse head coach Jim Berkman - the all-time winningest coach in NCAA men’s lacrosse history.
It happened at 9:55 a.m. Oct. 8 on Russell Avenue, reported the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office.
The fire is estimated to have caused an estimated $250,000 in damage. Two firefighters were taken to a local hospital and later released.
Forty firefighters spent about 50 minutes working to control it.
The fire began in the living room; the cause remains under investigation.
