Afternoon of raking and burning leaves ends in tragedy in NOTL

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What began as an afternoon of raking and burning leaves, ended in tragedy for a family in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Firefighters found the lifeless body of Leon Keith at the edge of his backyard, which was filled with thick smoke billowing from a fire pit.

Mr. Keith and his wife have lived at the Melrose Drive home in St. David’s for decades. It’s on a large treed lot that slopes down the escarpment.

He loved working around the yard–raking up brush and then burning it in his fire pit. Last evening neighbours noticed smoke in the backyard, but didn’t think much about it. They were shocked to learn what happened.

Neighbours called 9-1-1 when they saw the smoke. When they couldn’t find Leon they started to search for him. When firefighters put out the flames, and the smoke cleared, Leon’s body was found metres away from the pit. Some people were
wondering if he was trying to escape the noxious smoke. An autopsy was done this morning. The cause of death is not being made public at this time, but the Fire Marshal’s office is leading this investigation, which suggests Leon’s death was caused by the brush fire.

Friend and neighbour Gary Babyk says he and Leon would always look out for each others properties. “He was always very helpful, always had a smile. He used to walk the neighbourhood with us and his wife…just a terrific family.”

Leon Keith was an original member of the the Stamford Kiwanis. He was heavily involved in his church and the community. Funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized.