Autopsy: Manchester Woman Died Of Smoke Inhalation During Fire

MANCHESTER, NH — A 59-year-old Manchester woman has been identified as the victim of the fatal Dutton Street fire.

The 3-alarm Saturday fire injured two firefighters, two civilians had smoke inhalation, and the woman died.

The NH Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as Kathryn Conn. The cause of her death is smoke inhalation and the manner of her death is accidental.

Investigators from the NH Fire Marshals Office, Manchester Fire Marshals Office, and Manchester police worked several hours on Sunday rummaging through the heavily damaged building looking for clues. Two specialized accelerant detection dogs were used at sweep the entire building. NH Fire Marshal District Chief Adam Fanjoy guided “Anthem” a K-9, throughout 8 Dutton St. MFD Fire Inspector Mitch Cady utilized “Cy,” a K-9, throughout 10 Dutton St.

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is active and ongoing by members of the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Manchester fire and police departments.

State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey reminded everyone of the importance of always having working smoke alarms inside and outside of all sleeping areas.

When a fire is detected by smoke alarms, occupants only have seconds to escape before being overcome by the effects of smoke.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up for the injured MFD Captain Steve DesRuisseaux and can be found by clicking Captain Steve DesRuisseaux Medical & Rehabilitation Fund

Any further inquiries can be directed to the NH State Fire Marshal’s Office – Bureau of Investigations, Investigator Stephen Dennis or District Chief Adam Fanjoy at 603-223-4289.