ID Released In Fatal Branford Fire

BRANFORD, CT — Richard Levchuk, 61, of Branford, was found dead after a fire was extinguished at 155 North Ivy St. Monday afternoon, officials said.

Fire crews successfully extinguished the blaze and then found a body, the fire department posted to Facebook.

On Dec. 26, 2024, at the very same address, firefighters responded to a shed fire and after knocking it down, the body of a 69-year-old man was found inside.

According to fire officials, while the fire occurred at the same residential complex, "there is no evidence to suggest any connection between the two events."

It was around 2 p.m. Monday when firefighters quickly gained entry into the building housing unit 49 with a "working fire" underway. While fighting that fire, first responders made a search of the unit and the "deceased individual was discovered."

"It is with sadness that we announce the individual who lost his life in yesterday’s fire as 61 year old Richard Levchuk. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to Ricard’s family and friends," the Branford Fire Department said.

The Branford Fire Marshal, in collaboration with the Branford Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit, is actively investigating the cause of the fire.