The victim in yesterday’s fatal fire in Rayne Township has been identified.
Indiana County Coroner Jerry Overman, Jr. said in a news release that 77-year-old Betty Ann Coleman of Indiana. Fire crews were called out to her home at 2596 Route 119 North near Rayne Elementary School at 10:53 Friday morning. Overman pronounced her dead at the scene. Coleman was discovered by firefighters in the kitchen while they were searching the residence. Overman said she was unable to leave the home for an unknown reason.
Marion Center Assistant Fire Chief Gavin Misko said yesterday that there were a lot of items in the house, making it tough for firefighters to fight the fire. The state police fire marshals were called in to investigate the cause of the fire, which remains unknown. Misko believes the fire may have started on the first floor, but where is not exactly known. The home was gutted.
Overman has not listed a cause or manner of death for Coleman. An autopsy has been scheduled for today.
Marion Center firefighters were assisted by Indiana, Plumville and Clymer firefighters.
The John A. Lefdahl Funeral Home in Indiana is in charge of funeral arrangements.
