The Fort Myers community is reeling after a devastating house fire in San Carlos Park claimed the life of Mike McCarty, a longtime resident known for his warm spirit and kindness.
The fire broke out late Tuesday morning, May 20, 2025, on Caloosa Trace Circle, just blocks from San Carlos Park Elementary School. While firefighters responded quickly, the blaze ultimately proved fatal, leaving behind a stunned neighborhood and a flood of unanswered questions.
Authorities confirmed that Mike McCarty died in the fire, which ignited at approximately 11:21 a.m. The San Carlos Park Fire Protection and Rescue Service District responded to emergency calls and worked tirelessly to contain the flames, but the fire had already engulfed a significant portion of the home by the time crews arrived.
Early reports suggest the fire may have started in or near the garage, which neighbors described as open when the flames were first noticed. Mike, who lived in the home with his wife and their beloved pets, was reportedly alone in the house at the time of the fire.
His death, later confirmed as a suicide, has added another layer of grief and confusion to an already heartbreaking tragedy. The full circumstances are still under investigation by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the fire marshal, who are collaborating to determine the origin of the blaze and the events leading up to it.
For those who knew Mike McCarty, the news is devastating. He was known throughout the community as a kind, dependable neighbor — the kind of person who always waved hello, offered a helping hand, and took pride in his home.
Friends describe him as gentle and reserved, someone who loved the quiet rhythms of life in San Carlos Park. His death has left not only a literal void on Caloosa Trace Circle, but an emotional one that will be deeply felt for a long time.
“I was scared,” said neighbor Raz Sangiacomo, who watched the fire unfold from across the street. “I started thinking, what do I need to grab if the fire comes this way? My cats, pictures of my parents… You just never think something like this could happen here.”
Another neighbor, Jyson Schneider, rushed home from work upon hearing of the fire. “As soon as I got the call, I dropped everything and drove straight here,” Schneider said. “I was just hoping everyone was okay. Mike was a good man.”
The fire not only destroyed a home but also sent shockwaves through the normally quiet suburban community. Many residents are grappling with the realization that Mike, who seemed outwardly calm and content, may have been suffering in silence. Mental health advocates are urging people to check in on loved ones, especially those who may seem withdrawn or overwhelmed.
In the wake of this tragedy, community members are coming together to support Mike’s wife, who survived the incident but is now left to rebuild her life in the aftermath of personal and material loss. A GoFundMe campaign is expected to be launched in the coming days to assist with funeral arrangements and recovery expenses.
Mike McCarty’s death is a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support. Though his passing was marked by fire and sorrow, those who loved him are choosing to remember him for the life he lived — a life marked by quiet generosity, neighborly kindness, and love for his family and pets.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns, residents of San Carlos Park are holding onto each other a little tighter, leaning on compassion, and pledging to look out for one another — not just in times of crisis, but always.
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