Funeral Held For Hazel Park Veteran Who Died After Heat Was Shut Off

HAZEL PARK (WWJ) A Vietnam veteran who died in his Hazel Park home after the heat was turned off was given a military burial in Holly and was remembered at a wake Tuesday afternoon in Ferndale.

The services for John Skelley, 69, were funded by the group "Hangin' With The Heroes." The group's founder Ron Gilmore said he wants to see a change in policy when it comes to shutting off utilities.

"So that rather than roll up with two people and merely walk up beside the house and crank it off, that they actually knock on the door, see someone and talk with them and see if there are extenuating circumstances," he said, referencing what he wants to see in the future.

"Hangin' With the Heroes" collected money and other donations for the funeral and is still collecting to help others who may encounter similar circumstances. Keep up with them HERE.

"You don't have to be a veteran, you can be a loved one, a neighbor, a friend, if you see a veteran struggling, call us -- we'll do whatever we can to step in and help," Gilmore said.

He said he wants to make sure this never again happens to a war hero or anyone who bravely served their country.

"It's just a crying shame that someone who gives of themselves for their country has to die alone, frozen in their own bed," he said.

Despite outcry from the public, Consumers' Energy says the safety of its employees prevents a door knock policy before service is shut off. The utility says proper procedure was followed in the Skelley case.

The coroner says Skelley died of hypothermia compounded by other medical problems.