Lucy Preston, a beloved charity founder and Polish cultural ambassador in the Walker and Comstock Park area, has died from injuries sustained in a home explosion that investigators say was an attempted murder-suicide by her husband.

The Kent County Sheriff's Office confirmed Saturday that Preston, 61, died from fourth-degree burns she suffered when her home on Rollaway Drive NE in Plainfield Township exploded at approximately 4 a.m. Tuesday, May 26.

A community pillar pulled from the flames

Two neighbors rescued Preston from the burning wreckage. One neighbor, Tim Johnson, told reporters he ran over without even putting his shoes on.

"I didn't even put my shoes on. I just ran over."

Preston was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator. She died five days later, on Saturday, May 30.

The blast was powerful enough to generate roughly 50 emergency calls from residents as far as 3 miles away. Neighbor Chanel Raddatz described the sound to News 8.

"It sounded like a huge bomb being dropped."

Investigators: Husband intentionally caused the explosion

Kent County Undersheriff Bryan Muir said investigators believe Preston's husband, Doug Preston, intentionally leaked natural gas into the basement and ignited it in an attempted murder-suicide.

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

Doug Preston's body was recovered from the charred remains of the home. Positive identification is still pending, according to authorities.

Investigators cited text messages between the couple and statements Lucy Preston made before being hospitalized as key evidence.

Court records show the couple was in the midst of a divorce. Lucy Preston filed for divorce in March. A court hearing was scheduled for Friday, May 29. The couple's 40th wedding anniversary would have been Sunday.

Plainfield Township Fire Chief Jeremy Kelly said the natural gas leak in the basement appeared to be intentional. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Michigan State Police, and Kent County Sheriff's Office are all involved in the investigation.

A legacy of giving

Preston was widely known in the Grand Rapids Polish community for her charitable work and cultural leadership.

In 2023, she was named Busia Queen, an honorary title designating her as an ambassador for Polish culture in Grand Rapids. That same year, she helped lead the renovation of Jackson Street Hall, one of the city's oldest Polish clubs.

"They just pulled together and kind of raised and saved this hall, you know, and that was just such an accomplishment," said Theresa Bonham, president of the Polish Heritage Society.

In 2024, Preston founded Busia's Boutique at Jackson Street Hall. The nonprofit provides free clothing and toiletries to families in need.

"She's bubbly, joyful, kind," said Anna Tylzynski, president of the Polish National Aid Society. "She provides joy, she gives joy, she is joy."

Tylzynski said Preston was active in the society's children's Christmas program, which buys gifts for young members of the community.

The Polish National Aid Society, which has 200 members, said it would continue Preston's charitable mission in her absence.

"We have help to continue this mission of hers in her absence and make sure that we are still providing aid to our community as we have been since 1878," Tylzynski said.

The Polish Heritage Society described Preston on social media as "vibrant and cherished" and praised her "warm spirit."

How to help

A GoFundMe has been established to support Preston's family. Those who wish to donate can find the fundraiser through the Polish Heritage Society or Polish National Aid Society social media pages.

Anyone with information about the explosion can contact the Kent County Sheriff's Office at (616) 632-6125. Investigators have also set up a link for residents to submit video evidence. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.

For those dealing with domestic violence, resources are available:

• Safe Haven Ministries 24/7 Hotline: (616) 452-6664
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233