Crime & Safety
Home Of Challenger Shuttle Widow Destroyed By Fire
An early morning fire gutted the home of Cheryl McNair, whose husband was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion in January 1986.
EL LAGO, TX — An early morning fire completely destroyed a home owned by Cheryl McNair, whose husband Ron McNair was killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion 33 years ago. The blaze was reported at about 5 a.m. on West Chelsea Place near Seabrook, officials said.
When firefighters arrived at the home several minutes later, it was completely consumed by flames. Witnesses said the fire was so intense that firefighters had to pull back into a defensive mode to fight the fire.
Fire investigators said the fire was caused by an electrical short which ignited in the homes attic and spread very quickly. Within 45 minutes, the fire was out, but the loss of memories for McNair was tremendous.
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According to a KPRC report, the fire consumed some priceless photographs and awards related to her husband's NASA career.
Firefighters were able to help McNair rescue her cat, along with other memorabilia that belonged her late husband, officials said.
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NASA officials said they planned to go to McNair's home on Wednesday to help her look over some of the memorabilia.
McNair's husband was among six other astronauts who were killed when the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded 73 seconds after liftoff in January 1986.
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