A blast that woke a neighborhood

A home on Rollaway Drive NE in Comstock Park exploded just before 4 a.m. Tuesday, May 26. The blast was so powerful that residents as far as three miles away called 911. About 50 calls flooded dispatchers with reports of a massive explosion and fire.

"There was an explosion across the street," one caller told a dispatcher. "The house is gone."

The home was completely leveled. Debris scattered across the street and into yards. Neighbors described seeing a fireball and a mushroom cloud rise from the property.

An attempted murder-suicide

Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir said investigators believe the explosion was intentional. He called it an attempted murder-suicide carried out by the husband of the home.

"The fire was intentionally set, what we believe, by the husband at this point intending to be a murder-suicide at the residence," Muir said.

The man, identified by WOOD TV8 through property records and court documents as Doug Preston, died in the blast. A body believed to be his was recovered from the wreckage shortly before noon Tuesday. Positive identification by the Medical Examiner's Office was still pending.

Plainfield Township Fire Chief Jeremy Kelly said investigators believe Preston intentionally released natural gas into the basement, which then ignited.

"The leak of the natural gas was probably, allegedly, intentionally released into the basement," Kelly said.

Two neighbors pulled his wife from the flames

Preston's wife, Lucy Preston, was inside the home when it exploded. Two neighbors heard her yelling for help and pulled her from the burning wreckage.

Tim Johnson and 17-year-old Mandrell Bryant rescued her. Johnson sustained second-degree burns to his head and hand during the rescue.

"I had to get in there and get her out," Johnson told WOOD TV8. "We grabbed her arms and pulled her out as far as we could."

Muir credited the neighbors with saving her life.

"We are incredibly thankful to the nearby residents that rushed to the female associated with the address rescue and were able to pull her from the home," Muir said. "Without their actions, it is likely that she would have perished in the fire."

Lucy Preston was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital, where she was listed in critical condition. A neighbor who spoke to WWMT said she suffered fourth-degree burns and was on a ventilator.

A marriage unraveling

Court records obtained by news outlets show Lucy Preston filed for divorce in March of this year. The couple was disputing the division of assets and alimony. Their next court hearing was scheduled for the Friday after the explosion.

Investigators said text messages between the couple and statements made by Lucy Preston at the scene pointed to domestic conflict and Preston's intent to carry out the attack.

Jerry Orent, who lived next door to the Prestons for 30 years, said he had no idea the marriage was in trouble.

"You just don't blow up your house and wife," Orent said.

He described Preston as kind and compassionate, saying the violence did not fit the man he knew.

"From what she was saying to my wife, I guess he said everything but a compliment to her. Anything he said would be mean, nasty or a swear word. That is not Doug either, which surprised me," Orent said.

Orent's own home suffered damage. His garage was damaged and several windows were blown out by the blast.

Community rallies around a survivor

Lucy Preston is active at Jackson Street Hall, a Polish hall in Grand Rapids, where she launched a clothing nonprofit in 2024. Anna Tylzynski, president of the Polish National Aid Society, spoke about Preston's work helping families.

"She so appreciates being here and working with the families to get necessary items for their children," Tylzynski said.

A GoFundMe account was launched to cover Preston's medical care and future needs. It had raised more than $13,000 of a $20,000 goal as of Thursday morning.

Investigation continues

Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including:

• Kent County Sheriff's Office
• Plainfield Township Fire Department
• Michigan State Police
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
• DTE Energy crews, who were called to make the scene safe

Muir told residents there were no concerns about gas leaks or other explosions in the surrounding area.

The investigation remains active. The sheriff's office asked anyone with information or video evidence to contact them at (616) 632-6125 or submit tips anonymously through Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.

"For the sheriff's office, we just want to relay to the family affected by this our deepest sorrows for having to deal with a situation so tragic," Muir said.