Crime & Safety
Update: Man Killed in Custer Park Fire Likely Perished in Smoking Accident
The man was a heavy smoker and disabled, and could not escape his burning house, police said.
Timothy Connor, 59, was a heavy smoker and disabled, his neighbors reportedly told Will County deputies after his body was discovered inside his flame-ravaged Jay Drive home.
A dropped a cigarette apparently sparked the blaze and Connor was unable to escape. His body was found just two feet from the door.
Neighbors spotted smoke and called for emergency assistance. They also tried dousing the fire with garden hoses before help arrived.
Wilmington and Braidwood firefighters battled the blaze.The state fire marshal is investigating the matter.
An autopsy performed Saturday morning showed Connor suffered thermal injuries, according to Will County Coroner Patrick O’Neil’s office.
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