Friends, family grieve over victim's death

CLEARWATER -- The death of one resident and critical injuries to another in a condominium fire Friday left friends and family shocked and searching for solace.

Robert F. Kelly, 75, of 255 Dolphin Point, Apartment 506, was found dead in a fifth-floor hallway of the Dolphin Cove Condominiums after the early morning fire, Clearwater police said.

"An autopsy will determine the cause of death, but it's believed to be associated with the fire," police spokesman Wayne Shelor said. "But that's not to rule out that he had a heart attack or something."

Relatives of Jean Zetterberg said the 81-year-old woman, who lives in unit 502, was listed in critical condition at Tampa General Hospital late Friday with burns covering 40 percent of her body.

Kelly, who worked part-time at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar, was remembered by co-workers and owner Ken Hamilton as a nice guy whom everybody knew.

"He was such a wonderful guy," Hamilton said. "It's really just a sad, sad loss."

In the 12 years Kelly had worked at the Palm Pavilion, patrons and co-workers said they enjoyed listening to the former optician from Westfield, Mass., talk about his days as a pilot in the U.S. Navy.

"He used to tell us about when he got shot down in the Pacific," said Bob Clark, a regular patron. "For this to happen is just amazing."

According to Charles Zetterberg, his mother, Jean, was dressing in her unit next door when the 5 a.m. fire started in the kitchen of his unit, 501.

Unable to put out the fire, he fled the building, not knowing his mother was in the building.

Zetterberg said he remembered his mother screaming for help from her balcony while flames broke out windows next door.

Firefighteres used a ladder truck to rescue her from an open window.

"She's one of the sweetest people in the world," Zetterberg said. "She genuinely (cares) about everyone."

Five firefighters injured were taken to Tampa General. All but one were treated and released. Clearwater fire officials identified them as:

Steve Colbert, 36, of St. Petersburg, who suffered burns and smoke inhalation. A 7-year department veteran, he remained in the burn unit Friday night.

Dave Hogan, 47, of Clearwater, a 12-year veteran who suffered burns and smoke inhalation.

Karen Jackson of Indian Rocks Beach, a 17-year veteran, who suffered burns and smoke inhalation. Jackson's age was not available.

William Muniz, 31, of Indian Rocks Beach, a two-year veteran, who suffered dehydration and heat exhaustion.

Rodney Wilt, 38, of Largo, a 14-year veteran, who suffered dehydration and heat exhaustion.

-- Times staff writer Jennifer Farrell contributed to this report.

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