0SHARESShareTweetDon L. Watson Obituary, Death – A tragic house fire in Peoria claimed the life of a man, Don L. Watson, on a fateful Thursday. The Peoria County Coroner’s Office confirmed the identity of the victim in a news release issued on Friday. Watson’s death resulted from severe smoke inhalation and burns covering over 95% of his body, according to the autopsy report. While toxicology reports are pending, they are not expected to affect the determination of the cause of death.
The incident unfolded at 3420 N. Gale Ave., and it was the Peoria Fire Department that responded to the call at 6:57 a.m. on Thursday, reporting a house fire. Upon arrival, search teams discovered Mr. Watson and a dog inside the residence. Tragically, Watson was pronounced deceased at 8:20 a.m. by the Peoria County Coroner. The dog was transported to an animal hospital for emergency care.
During the efforts to control the fire, a firefighter and a neighbor who attempted to assist both sustained injuries. Their condition is not specified in the report but underscores the perilous nature of firefighting and rescue operations. Following the incident, a fire investigator was summoned to the scene to determine the cause of the fire. The investigator’s assessment concluded that the fire was accidental. Additionally, Peoria’s code enforcement department has ordered the house to be torn down.
Estimating damages at $40,000. As the investigation into this devastating incident continues, both the Peoria Fire Department and the Peoria County Coroner’s Office are collaborating to gather more details and provide a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired during this tragic house fire. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Don L. Watson, and we hope for a swift recovery for those injured in the line of duty.
0SHARESShareTweetncG1vNJzZmihnqG8t7XNoKSepZ%2Bntqa%2FzZ6urGaTpLpwsM6nZKVlp5bBtLvNZqaboaSqrrPFjHBpZrGVlr9uu8udZK2qkZy2pK3LpbBmqJGowKawjJqumrFf