RIDGEWAY – Friday, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office released more details of a fatal fire that occurred on April 1. Here’s the full press release:
“The Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Henry County Public Safety Fire Marshal’s Office are currently conducting a joint investigation of a fatal fire that occurred at 84 Main St., Ridgeway, VA on April 1, 2019. During the course of the fire investigation the body of an unknown individual was recovered inside of the fire scene. The remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the Western District of Virginia (O.C.M.E) for an autopsy and identification.
The body has been positively identified as Deborah Rakes Byrd, 60, of 84 Main St., Ridgeway, VA. Deborah Rakes Byrd was the only person who resided at 84 Main St., Ridgeway, VA.
The Fire Marshal’s Office has ruled the fire as accidental due to improper disposal of cigarette smoking material. The cause and manner of death are still pending the completion of the O.C.M.E. autopsy report.”
ORIGINAL STORY
RIDGEWAY – A person is dead following a house fire Monday morning.
Henry County Public Safety Director Matt Tatum told BTW21 the call came in just before 7 AM. Tatum said the identity of the victim will be released once confirmed.
The fire occurred on Main Street near the intersection of Route 220.