Man Found Dead In Bartow House Fire Identified

CARTERSVILLE, GA — Bartow County Coroner Joel Guyton has released the identity of the man who died Tuesday morning in a house fire. Residents of the house and firefighters were unable to rescue 64-year-old William Cochran, whose body was found inside the blaze on Barnsley Gardens Road at Rock Fence Road.

Guyton said the cause of death has not been determined by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab. Three Bartow County fire engines, a squad and battalion were all dispatched to the fire at 7:41 a.m. Jan. 15. Bartow 911 dispatchers received multiple reports of "heavy smoke and fire" coming from the home, said Dwayne Jamison, Bartow County Fire's deputy chief.

Firefighters arrived to learn there were three people — a woman and two men — who were home when the fire ignited. One of the men woke up, saw the fire and tried to put it out with a carbon dioxide extinguisher, but was unsuccessful, Jamison said.

Bartow fire crews worked to put out the flames and once they entered the home, they found Cochran, who was pronounced dead. Jamison said fire officials were informed the male was disabled, and the two residents tried to rescue him. However, they were overcome by smoke and the flames.

According to his obituary, William "Randy" Cochran was born in Rome, was a Baptist and worked in the carpet industry.

"Randy’s good nature always made him enjoyable to be around," the obituary states.

Cochran is survived by sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Ronald Eastwood of Powder Springs; nephew, Jacob Eastwood of Powder Springs; and several cousins and close friends. No funeral arrangements have been made at this time.

Jamison said the fire is believed to be accidental, but remains under investigation. The cause of the blaze has not been determined.

The two residents who escaped did not seek any medical treatment, and no injuries were reported from fire personnel, Jamison said.

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