A Fire That Shattered a Family
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, tragedy struck a quiet neighborhood on Brookside Place in Cheshire, Connecticut. Flames tore through a home, trapping 32-year-old Zackary Naoumides inside alongside his beloved dog, Paige. While another man managed to escape and was rushed to the hospital, Zackary could not be saved. Later that day, firefighters and investigators discovered his body in the debris—Paige was lying right beside him, loyal to the very end.
Zackary’s mother, Lori Stocks, and his sister, Alyssa Naoumides, spoke through tears, remembering him as a kind, generous soul who loved animals and people alike. “He was a good, kind soul,” his mother said. His loss has left a deep wound not just in their family but in the entire community that knew and loved him.
A Man Who Loved, and Was Loved in Return
Zackary worked at an animal hospital in Wallingford, where clients and co-workers adored him. His sister described him as sociable, lovable, and deeply caring—a man who could connect with anyone he met. He had recently been considering pursuing a degree in wound care nursing, a career path that reflected his natural compassion and desire to help others.
Paige, his rescue pit bull mix, was more than just a pet—she was his protector, his shadow, and his best friend. “My brother, he was her person. She protected him. She loved him so much,” Alyssa said, her voice breaking. That bond was tragically evident when firefighters found them together in the ashes.
Another family dog, Lucy, a corgi, remains unaccounted for. The family holds onto hope that she escaped and will be found safe.
A Community United in Grief
Emergency crews battled the blaze starting around 3 a.m., with multiple fire departments lending support. The intense fire caused severe structural damage, leading to a partial collapse of the home. Cheshire Department of Public Works brought in heavy equipment to carefully sift through the wreckage, allowing investigators to recover Zackary and Paige from the rubble.
The cause of the fire is under investigation by Cheshire detectives and the fire marshal. While answers may eventually come, nothing can fill the emptiness left by Zackary’s passing. Friends, neighbors, and co-workers have begun to share stories and memories online, creating a mosaic of a life that touched many.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the Naoumides family faces the unimaginable task of grieving not only a cherished son and brother but also the loyal dog who refused to leave his side. It is a reminder of how fragile life can be, how deep the bonds between humans and animals run, and how quickly everything can change in a single night.
