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Michael & Peggy Aspinwall experienced a tragic house fire on Sunday May 24th. Michael is also known as Archie Maxwell, the Lead Guitarist for the local Phoenix based Roustabout Band. The fire actually started at the neighbor’s home next door. Michael and Peggy were unaware of the fire until another neighbor knocked on their door. Michael ran outside and grabbed 2 fire extinguishers and a garden hose in an attempt to hold off the fire from entering his yard. In the process the flames flared up and caught his face and forearms, causing 2nd degree burns, which he is now undergoing treatment for at the Phoenix Burn Center.
By the time the fire department arrived their back yard was engulfed in flames and the house started burning. Once the fire department got the fire under control, the house and contents suffered massive damage and loss. The firemen were able to save their 1 year old dog, Rockstar, and 16 of Michael’s guitars. Unfortunately that is about all that was saved and you can view the aftermath in the attached video. These are photos I personally took when I visited the home the following morning.
While they have home owners insurance, they have already been told their policy had limited depreciation coverage for the contents, and NO temporary housing allowance. Both of them are technically retired and moving forward is going to be quite a mountain to climb. The house will probably be repaired but it will take some time for reconstruction, and until then they have to deal with expenses that were certainly unforeseen before that Sunday evening on May 24th. To complicate matters there have been no band gigs for months due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Many have asked how they can help. I have created this campaign, with hopes that funds can be used to help reduce housing expenses, clothing, and every day basic needs. I ask, along with my band colleagues, and as a friend, if you can contribute even $1 to help them out… it would mean a lot. We realize during this pandemic many of you are also out of work and on unemployment. Timing could not be worse, but if you can help, I know it would be greatly appreciated by Michael and Peggy.
Thank You!
Jim Marsella (Organizer of Fund/Friend and Band Mate of Michael Aspinwall)
Laveen, Arizona
By the time the fire department arrived their back yard was engulfed in flames and the house started burning. Once the fire department got the fire under control, the house and contents suffered massive damage and loss. The firemen were able to save their 1 year old dog, Rockstar, and 16 of Michael’s guitars. Unfortunately that is about all that was saved and you can view the aftermath in the attached video. These are photos I personally took when I visited the home the following morning.
While they have home owners insurance, they have already been told their policy had limited depreciation coverage for the contents, and NO temporary housing allowance. Both of them are technically retired and moving forward is going to be quite a mountain to climb. The house will probably be repaired but it will take some time for reconstruction, and until then they have to deal with expenses that were certainly unforeseen before that Sunday evening on May 24th. To complicate matters there have been no band gigs for months due to the Covid 19 pandemic.
Many have asked how they can help. I have created this campaign, with hopes that funds can be used to help reduce housing expenses, clothing, and every day basic needs. I ask, along with my band colleagues, and as a friend, if you can contribute even $1 to help them out… it would mean a lot. We realize during this pandemic many of you are also out of work and on unemployment. Timing could not be worse, but if you can help, I know it would be greatly appreciated by Michael and Peggy.
Thank You!
Jim Marsella (Organizer of Fund/Friend and Band Mate of Michael Aspinwall)
Laveen, Arizona