Steelers Update Wilson's Condition; Determination of Fire's Cause On the Way

The Steelers organization on Tuesday released an update on running backs coach Kirby Wilson’s condition on behalf of the coach's family.

The 50-year-old was severely on Jameson Way in Seven Fields.

A medical helicopter transported him to UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, where he remains in critical condition in the hospital's Trauma Burn Center.

"In addition to burns sustained over 45 percent of his body, he has suffered a smoke inhalation injury and will require multiple operative procedures in the future," the Steelers statement said.  

News of the fire's cause might soon be on the way.

Fire Marshal Luke Nelson of the state police barracks in Butler confirmed the fire started in Wilson’s kitchen. Investigators have been delayed, however, in determining an official cause for the fire because they have been unable to speak with Wilson.

 “A lot rides on that,” Nelson said. “We have some questions that weren’t readily apparent by just looking at the scene. There was a lot of damage.”

Nelson said he hopes to be able to speak soon with Wilson. The fire has been ruled accidental.

“Nothing about the fire is suspicious. Everything appears accidental,” he said. “It’s just a matter of what the accident was.”

Neighbors repeatedly banged on Wilson's door to rouse him from his burning home. The coach had burns on his legs, arms and the top of his head. He was wheezing from smoke inhalation when he answered the door.

A father of five, Wilson joined the Steelers in 2007 after spending 19 years as a college and professional coach, according to his official team biography. He previously coached running backs for the Arizona Cardinals (2004-06) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002-03), where he worked with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.