MANCHESTER, NH – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal J. William Degnan, Manchester Fire Chief Daniel Goonan, and Manchester Police Chief Nick Willard announce that the victim of the July 24 fatal fire on Hazelton Court has been identified.
Related story: Homeowner dies in early morning fire on Hazelton Court
An autopsy was conducted Monday by the New Hampshire State Medical Examiner’s Office and the victim William Eggleston, 57, of Manchester, has been positively identified. The cause of death is smoke inhalation and the manner of death is accidental.
A joint investigation into all the facts and circumstances surrounding the origin and cause of the fire continues.
Fire Marshal Degnan and Fire Chief Goonan wish to remind all citizens that excess fire loading or hoarding is a significant fire hazard. Both occupants and responding firefighters can be put at risk due to obstructed exits, falling objects, and the weight of stored items, especially if water is added to put out the fire, which can lead to building collapse. Hoarding also severely impedes search and rescue efforts for both people and pets.
Any further inquiries regarding this release can be directed to the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office – Bureau of Investigations, Investigator Adam Fanjoy at 603-223-4289 or the Manchester Fire Department – Fire Prevention Bureau at 603-669-2256.
