Authorities have identified the man found dead during a welfare check and house fire in Meredith, New Hampshire, earlier this week.
Meredith police said officers were called to a home on Old Center Harbor Road on Wednesday after receiving a request for a welfare check. When officers arrived, they discovered an elderly man unresponsive inside the residence, along with smoke present in the home. Firefighters were immediately requested to the scene and extinguished a fire located in the basement.
The victim was identified as Fred Tyrell, 81, of Meredith.
According to officials, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and determined that Tyrell died as a result of smoke inhalation. The medical examiner ruled the manner of death accidental.
Investigators say the fire did not appear suspicious, and there were no signs of foul play inside the home. While the exact origin of the basement fire has not yet been confirmed, officials emphasized that it is still under investigation as part of standard fire-scene protocol.
Police and fire officials have not released details on how long the fire may have been burning before responders arrived, nor whether smoke detectors were present or functioning inside the home.
The incident remains under review by local fire officials, but authorities stressed there is no ongoing threat to the public. Meredith police expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and thanked first responders for their coordinated response.
Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to contact Meredith Police Department as the investigation continues.
