Coroner IDs Woman, 72, Killed In Fire

GURNEE, IL — The Lake County Coroner's Office has identified a 72-year-old woman killed in a fire in Gurnee as Joann Yamamoto.

Preliminary results from an autopsy show Yamamoto died from inhalation of products of combustion — which is also known as smoke inhalation — following the blaze on April 15, according to a news release from the Lake County Coroner's Office.

The coroner's office did not initially release the ID of the woman killed in the fire as officials worked to locate relatives of the woman and notify them about her death.

The Gurnee police and fire departments responded to the blaze in the 1600 block of Dolcetto Lane at about 9:10 p.m. on April 15 after receiving several 911 calls reporting smoke and flames, according to a news release from the Gurnee Fire Department.

Authorities learned from 911 callers that the vehicle of the woman who lived at the home was in her driveway, and it was believed she was inside the home.

When firefighters arrived, they found both the front and rear doorways blocked by furniture and household items, and extreme hoarding conditions throughout the home made it difficult for firefighters to get into the residence, authorities said.

It also created "dangerous and highly obstructed conditions for first responders," according to the press release. While searching the home, firefighters found the woman dead inside, according to the news release.

The Illinois State Fire Marshal is leading an investigation into the blaze.

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