Home’s former resident ‘devastated’ by deadly Kettering explosion

KETTERING — The home site of a deadly explosion has drawn a steady stream of visitors.

Crews on Wednesday put up more fencing surrounding the North Claridge Drive property, which also has a makeshift memorial for Darlene Baumgardner, the 58-year-old woman killed in the Tuesday morning blast.

One man who visited the site has a personal connection and wanted to see for himself what happened.

>> Victim in deadly house explosion, fire identified

“I was just totally devastated by what had happened to his beautiful home,” John Geiger of Troy said.

He said he lived in that home during the 1970s and ’80s.

Geiger said he’s been following the news reports ever since his daughter, who lives out of state, called him after seeing photos online.

He described the two-story home he recalled.

>> Dash-cam video shows moments after fatal Kettering house explosion

“It had a beautiful fireplace, nice living room. Backyard was just beautiful, stone outdoor fireplace,” he said.

Geiger said it’s awful the explosion killed Baumgardner.

“I wish this woman could be brought back. It’s a real shame; it’s a tragedy,” he said.

He recalled the neighborhood as friendly, with neighbors who talked to each other.

“Just devastated at the total destruction of this place ... It’s just devastating to me.”

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