By David Lohr
November 7, 2007
WEST BOCA, FL (Crime Library) — "Life is a journey, so seize your destiny! You never know the path that lies ahead!"
The above quote was taken from a MySpace.com profile belonging to 34-year-old Chad Patrick Summerlin, a wine-seller, surfer, actor and former clothing model who lived in an upscale home in the 9500 block of Boca Gardens Parkway. Sadly, Chad's journey through life ended Monday morning at a nearby hospital, after firefighters pulled his body from his burning townhouse.
A neighbor, 20-year-old Danny Franco, first spotted smoke emerging from Chad's patio at about 7:00 a.m. Monday morning. Concerned for his friend's safety, Danny pounded on the doors and windows, fearing his friend might be inside. Unfortunately, the blaze was well underway, and the heat and smoke forced Danny back.
"Flames were coming at me," Danny said in an interview with Palmbeachpost.com. "The smoke was everywhere. I was hoping he wasn't home, but he was."
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| Chad Patrick Summerlin |
When firefighters arrived on the scene, they located Chad in a downstairs bedroom. He was unconscious and in cardiac arrest. When rescuers carried Chad to a waiting ambulance, his friend noticed something that immediately troubled him.
"There was no ash, no smoke, no burns. Just blood," Danny said.
Danny was not the only one troubled by Chad's injuries.
"We learned there was trauma to the body. It is undetermined what type of trauma, at this point," Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Spokesperson Teri Barbera told Wptv.com. "We're looking at the fact he may have died from something other than smoke inhalation. We just don't know."
Chad's injuries proved to be fatal, and he died shortly after his arrival at West Boca Medical Center. Due to the suspicious nature of his death, investigators ordered his home sealed off as a crime scene while they filed paperwork to get a search warrant. However, before investigators could obtain the warrant, the fire rekindled shortly after 12:30 p.m., gutting the second floor of the residence.
"You don't want to tear the place up too bad because you have to conduct an investigation," County fire-rescue Captain Don DeLucia told Palmbeachpost.com. "They thought they were pretty well done with the fire, but a rekindling like this is not uncommon."
In his MySpace.com profile, Chad described himself as an actor, model and chef who was born in Strong Island, NY. In the "About Me" section of the profile, he wrote:
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| Chad Patrick Summerlin Surfing |
"Well, first I must thank the Lord for even being here to type this. I grew up in Florida, on the beach. Started surfing at the age of 4, and had my first board hand-shaped for me when I was the ripe old age of 5. Since then I've never been out of the water for very long. Surfing is very spiritual for me. It connects me to the energy that drives nature, the universal flow that goes through all and it makes me feel good and that's something to give thanks about! I'm a very honest, straightforward, passionate kind of guy. I live life to the fullest, tried everything under the sun, from professional surfing, modeling, acting, and now it seems I have come full circle. The one thing I tried so hard to get away from has become my passion again! I love to entertain and have fun. Life is too short, so get out there and chase your dreams — Never regret! Respect to all — Peace & Love."
A preliminary autopsy on Chad confirmed suspicions that he did not die as a result of the fire that destroyed his home. According to the county coroner, Chad had been shot at least four times, in the back, left thigh, left bicep, and rib cage. With this revelation, the case switched from a suspicious fire investigation to a homicide. Only two questions remained: Who and why?
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