Photo courtesy of CBS 17
Authorities recovered the body of a 21-year-old man on Sunday. The Charlotte Observer reported that he worked at the North Carolina distribution center for the home-shopping television network QVC.
Kevon Ricks’ body was found after QVC’s Rocky Mount, North Carolina, location caught fire on Saturday, destroying most of the building, Kitch News reported.
According to the Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, Ricks’ remains were found on Dec. 19.
“At approximately 11:30 am, Fire Search and Recover members located [Ricks] on the outbound side of the loading dock of QVC,” they wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Ricks as well as all team members affected by this tragedy.”
“He worked at the facility for only three weeks and was one of over 300 employees working at the center that day. Ricks’ aunt, Stephanie Randolph, said that after her nephew reported to work, he was never heard from again, CBS 17 reported.”
After reading Ricks’ mother’s post on Facebook concerning his whereabouts, Randolph went to the facility to gain more information. However, she was denied entry by police but was later notified by a state trooper that one man was reported missing. The family was informed of his death the following day.
“I’m more angry than anything,” Randolph said in an interview with CBS 17.
“Only thing we’re worried about is making sure his son is well taken care of,” Randolph said, according to WRAL News. “Making sure his mom gets the proper help that she needs to deal with this and making sure all the family is good.”
The Charlotte Observer reported that Eric Evans, Edgecombe County manager, said the “fire had not actually touched that section of the building,” where Ricks’ body was discovered.
“An autopsy has not been done, but they are assuming it may have been through smoke inhalation,” he added.
The home-shopping franchise took to Twitter to release a statement on the incident.
“Everyone at QVC is heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of life in the fire at our Rocky Mount facility,” the statement read. “Thanks to the first responders–and to all of you for your outpouring of concern.”
While keeping safety at the forefront of his job, Randolph advised other employees to be responsible for their own safety conditions at work.
“When it comes to the job, think about your safety,” she said during an interview with CBS 17. “Always put yourself first.”