On September 28, 2025, a peaceful Sunday service at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel
in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, was shattered by tragedy when the building was engulfed in flames. Emergency crews rushed to the scene
as shocked congregation members gathered nearby at the Trillium Theater, offering comfort to one another while awaiting news.
Authorities identified the individual involved as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former U.S. Marine from Burton.
Officials confirmed multiple fatalities, several injuries, and some individuals still unaccounted for. By nightfall,
recovery efforts were suspended for safety, with crews expected to resume work at first light.
Investigators later reported that accelerants had been used to start the fire, and additional suspicious materials were
discovered nearby. While the motive remains unknown, the discovery heightened concerns and deepened the community’s grief.
Neighbors described Sanford as quiet, making the news even harder to reconcile.
In response, local leaders organized a prayer vigil, drawing residents together in mourning and solidarity.
Though the chapel sustained severe damage, the spirit of unity has remained unbroken. As investigations continue,
the community is clinging to faith, determined to support victims’ families and find answers in the days ahead.