Authorities said Monday afternoon Charlie Russell, 78, who died Saturday night when his mobile home caught fire, succumbed to smoke inhalation.
Neighbors said Russell has fallen asleep before with a lit cigarette, though officials have yet to rule on the exact cause of the fire. Some had speculated that the fire was intentional. But Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler said the preliminary findings from the state medical examiner ruled the cause of death as smoke inhalation.
Meridian Fire Department Chief Jeff Homan said fire marshal's were sifting through the remains of the trailer again Monday morning. Homan said the investigation is still in progress. Results of the investigation could come today or Wednesday, he said.
"I don't like to push my fire marshal's for quick results," said Homan, who has yet to receive other autopsy results. "Plus, we are waiting on the findings of the medical examiners and their final determination of what caused his death. We want to make sure what we are seeing coincides with other information in the incident."
MFD firefighters were called to Russell's 30-year old mobile home located on the corner of Fifth Street and 38th Avenue at about 8 p.m. and found it filled with black smoke. The flames were quickly extinguished. Russell's body was found near the back door. Officials at the scene said it appeared Russell was overpowered by the smoke as he tried to flee the mobile home.
Local News
Early report of fire death released
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Morning update for Wednesday, May 30, 2012
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In memory of those who died
A 21-gun salute is a common part of any Memorial Day program.
But the release of 21 snow white doves representing the peace we enjoy today because of those who have fallen in battle was a rare treat of the Second Annual Memorial Day Program held Monday afternoon at Magnolia Cemetery in Meridian. -
Choctaw Expressions to be showcased
The Mississippi Craft Center will present Choctaw Expressions as the featured cultural and historical exhibit for the month of June.
The presentation will showcase the rich and unique heritage of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians with traditional cultural arts and artifacts. The exhibition is set to open to the public on Friday, June 1 at 10 a.m. The Mississippi Craft Center, located in Ridgeland, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission and will highlight this unique event through June 30. -
Earth’s Bounty Festival Saturday
Residents in the Meridian area will have the opportunity to purchase locally grown or made products throughout the summer and fall through the Earth’s Bounty festival.
The expanded version of the current farmer's market will take place on the first Saturday of every month from June-November at Singing Brakeman Park in Meridian near Union Station. -
WWI soldier’s family receives Purple Heart
About three weeks before the end of WW I, two young officers with the 320 Machine Gun Battalion crept through the battered moonscape of France on a mission to find new positions for their weapons.
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Man dies of gunshot wound
Investigators with the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department are investigating a shooting incident that occurred Saturday morning in which one person died.
- Marriages & Divorces: Sunday, May 27, 2012
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Leading Edges uses technology to enhance advertising
If local advertising agency Leading Edges has its way, pretty soon you will be using your iPhone or iPad to bring its clients' ads to life.
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Meridian soldier to receive posthumous Purple Heart
- Partnership in place for safety blitz
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