LANSING, Mich. — Authorities are still not sure what caused the fatal fire at Lansing Eastside Gateway.
That fire killed 43-year-old Johnny Bolan.
Bolan's cousin, Kim Bancroft, says he was a free spirit who loved life.
"Somehow he got it all, all the color and all the sparkle was in Johnny. I really don't know how we are going to shine without him," said Bancroft.
The family of the 43-year-old said he was new to Lansing Eastside Gateway.
They don't know why he was in there at the time of the fire.
They say Bolan had three college degrees and was active in the local art and gardening community. He also taught yoga classes.
Bancroft said she was shocked when she learned her cousin was killed in the fire.
"This is not real. He is going to call my mom, that is what I keep hearing in my head," she said.
Roxanne Frith worked with Bolan.
Frith is a photojournalist who sold some of her work out of Eastside Gateway.
She says it's awful for the small business owners that lost their storefront.
"The incubator was a positive thing but it was Yvonne's dream, and then we lost Johnny," Frith said, referring to Lansing Eastside Gateway owner Yvonne LeFave.
"He was the guy that was loud, bright and bold, and you were better for being in the room just to see him," Bancroft said.
In a Facebook post, Lansing Eastside Gateway says they are thankful for the outpouring of support.
The family has also set up a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses.
