ERIE, Pa. (AP) - Authorities say the death of a man found in a burning car in northwestern Pennsylvania almost two months ago has been ruled accidental.
Firefighters in Erie found the body of 62-year-old William Deangelo after extinguishing the blaze at an abandoned gas station early April 13 on the city’s east side.
Coroner Lyell Cook said he ruled the death accidental due to smoke inhalation from a car fire. The city’s chief fire inspector also ruled the fire accidental, saying Tuesday that although the cause was undetermined there were no signs of foul play.
Inspector Darren Hart said investigators found cigarette butts in the sedan, and it’s possible that the fire was set off by careless smoking.
Deangelo’s body was badly burned but was identified through a serial number on a medical device in his right leg.
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