Cause Of Death: Nightclub Fire
Details:
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Friends and relatives of missing Great White guitarist Ty Longley were awaiting word on what happened to him in the Rhode Island nightclub fire that killed 96.
Longley, 31, who grew up in Sharon, Pa., and Brookfield, Ohio, moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career and joined Great White about three years ago, said his uncle, Bill Longley.
He said the family was in shock over the fire and was anxiously awaiting word on Longley from authorities.
His father, sister and pregnant girlfriend all traveled to West Warwick, R.I., looking for answers.
A pyrotechnic display during the band's first song late Thursday night ignited foam ceiling tiles at the club. Fire officials said the building was engulfed in three minutes.
Bill Longley, who lives near Youngstown, said the band had used the pyrotechnic display as recently as last week.
"As far as I know, they were pretty confident with what they were doing," he said.
Max Schang, 50, of Sharon, started teaching Longley to play guitar when he was about 11 years old and developed a close friendship with him.
He said he was still holding out hope that Longley survived.
"He's the kid I never had," Schang said.