MADIERA BEACH, Fla. – On Wednesday at approximately 7:40 a.m., Pinellas County Sheriff Deputies responded to 140 147th Avenue in Madeira Beach to a report of an active fire.
Deputies remained on scene while the Madeira Beach Fire Department and the Treasure Island Fire Department worked to extinguish the blaze.
Investigators assigned to the Robbery/Homicide Unit and the Arson/Auto Theft Unit are investigating the fire and say a neighbor called 9-1-1 shortly before 7:40 a.m. this morning.
The neighbor smelled smoke coming from the adjacent apartment and when she knocked on Barnard’s door, she saw smoke coming from the inside.
Once the fire was out, 70-year-old William Barnard was located inside. Investigators say Barnard was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death while investigators say the fire appears to be accidental in nature.
Next of kin has been notified and the investigation is ongoing the Sheriff’s office said.
We will update this story when further details are released.
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