AUSTINTOWN — The management of Phoenix House senior living high-rise has weighed in on the death of a resident and ongoing developments at the building after the Nov. 22 explosion there.

In a message to The Vindicator, Phoenix House Investments LLC expressed sadness at Steven D. Smith’s death, which Austintown officials confirmed on Tuesday.

“The whole situation is heartbreaking. We are very saddened that anyone was injured and are of course very grieved by Steve Smith’s passing,” the statement read. “Steve was a good resident. He was pleasant and friendly, and he will be greatly missed by everyone.”

Smith died Tuesday at Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center. He was the last remaining resident of Phoenix House in the hospital after the explosion that forced the building’s residents out of their homes just days before Thanksgiving. Natural gas is the presumed cause of the blast, but it remains under investigation.

Smith, 63, was taken first to Mercy St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital with burns and other injuries after being recovered from the building that day, and soon after flown to Cleveland.

Austintown Township officials had hoped he would recover.

The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released Smith’s cause of death. It is unclear where Smith was in relation to the blast.

Trustees and administrators in Austintown said Phoenix House has assumed responsibility for the property, and has contracted with Austintown Police Department to provide security.

Residents last week were guided through the building to recover some personal belongings, and management will be responsible for returning the rest of their property to them.

All residents have been placed in temporary housing, either in hotels or other facilities or with family and friends.

Phoenix House and the office of U.S. Rep Michael Rulli’s, R-Salem, are working to ensure residents’ HUD vouchers are transferred to apartments.

Township officials have said that the building appears structurally sound and may be habitable in the future but will not be safe for at least a year.

“This has affected everyone who lived and worked in the building, and we are concerned for everyone involved,” management wrote. “We are continuing to work with the professionals to assist all the residents who have been displaced. We care for all of our residents and want to be as helpful as we can.”

More than 130 residents were left homeless after the explosion that occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 at 850 N. Meridian Road, and by 11 p.m. all of them had been placed safely in a bed, officials said.

Donations have poured into the Austintown Senior Center and been distributed by the United Way. Other groups, including American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Direction Home, and Farmers National Bank, among others, have been credited with coming to the aid of Phoenix House residents.

“We are grateful to all the people who have been assisting residents, from the first responders to the countless volunteers,” management said. “Anyone wishing to make donations, please contact the charities listed above.”