Investigators not sure what caused Boutte blaze

Home belonged to family of LSU running back Alfred Blue

Jonathan Menard

This Boutte home, which belonged to the family of LSU running back Alfred Blue, burned down on Sept. 27.

Investigators with the Luling Volunteer Fire Department have been unable to identify the cause of a Boutte fire that destroyed the family home of LSU sophomore running back Alfred Blue.

The fire, which occurred on Sept. 27, started in a back bedroom of the home, according to Luling Assistant Fire Chief Armond Bourque.

“When we arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames,” Bourque said. “We were able to determine that the fire started in the rear of the structure, but we have not been able to determine the cause. We do not suspect foul play and we believe that the fire was accidental.”

Blue's mother, grandmother and three younger siblings lived in the home, but no one was inside at the time of the fire. However, the home and the family’s belongings were destroyed.

LSU has set up a Relief-4-Blue Fund, which will assist the former Hahnville star and his family.

The NCAA has permitted the fund, which will receive donations through the Tiger Athletic Foundation.

Under NCAA Bylaw 16.11.12, fundraisers are acceptable in “extreme circumstances ... extraordinary in the result of events beyond the student-athlete's control.”

The fundraising is permissible as long as the proceeds are designated for a specific purpose such as the replacement of belongings lost in a fire.

Blue has rushed for 221 yards on 48 carries this season and has scored four touchdowns. In the Tigers’ 41-11 victory over Florida, Blue rushed for 70 yards on 14 carries and scored a touchdown.

Those interested in assisting Blue and his family can make contributions to the Tiger Athletic Foundation by going to www.lsutaf.org.