Autopsy finds elderly Northumberland man died of smoke inhalation

NORTHUMBERLAND - A Northumberland man found dead in his home on Thursday succumbed to smoke inhalation, according to the state's medical examiner.

Safety officials say that a call for a welfare check at 192 Lancaster Road in Northumberland around 10:15 a.m. drew a response from first respsonders who found home's surfaces to be soot-covered, without active fire, and no smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) alarms sounding.

Inside was the body of 70-year-old Brian Connor.

An autopsy was conducted on Connor on Friday Dr. Jennie Duval, Medical Examiner, who found the cause of his death to be smoke inhalation and the manner of death undetermined.

State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey took the opportunity to remind everyone of the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in their home and to know the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is known as the silent killer. Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning may include dull headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting, shortness of breath, confusion, blurred vision or loss of consciousness. If anyone experiences any of these symptoms, they should get to fresh air and call E911 immediately.

Anyone who has questions about their home's smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) alarms, please contact the local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshal's Office. Any further inquiries can be directed to Investigator Solomon Rosman of the NH State Fire Marshal's Office at (603) 223-4289