CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. — One person died in an overnight fire early Dec. 1 in Cheektowaga.
That person, 64-year-old Mark Mitri, was found dead in an attached garage on Westvale Court in the Town of Cheektowaga, according to police, who added that a woman was helped out of the home.
Janelle Brooks, the president of Slow Roll Buffalo, told 2 On Your Side on Thursday that Mitri had a passion for cycling and is a well known leader in the community. He has participated in numerous cycling activities, and he even started his own group called Slow Spokes Bicycle Club.
Cheektowaga Police and Fire Dispatch received calls about the residential fire around 1:35 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1.
"Firefighters from UCREST Fire responded and, with the assistance of multiple companies, were able to extinguish the fire before the entire structure became fully engulfed," police said.
The fire appears accidental in nature, police said. An investigation is underway.
"Mark was a a jokester, if you will, in a kind way, of course," Brooks said. "Like I mentioned before, he had really, really good energy, and you were met by his energy before you met him as Mark Mitri.
"He also supported Slow Roll in so many different ways, and so what I can remember is that every single week, he went buy $20 to $25 worth of 50-50 tickets just to be able to support and donate. He's won money on multiple occasions, and on many occasions, he donates that money right back to sole role so that we can continue to keep our rights inclusive and free for other folks. "
Anyone with any information is asked contact Cheektowaga Police Det. Michael Striejewske at 716-686-3969.