Carbon monoxide poisoning was blamed for the deaths of two people who perished in a DeWitt, Iowa mobile home fire.
The fire was reported just before 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at the Winding Brook Mobile Home Park on 260th Avenue. Heavy smoke initially prevented sheriff’s deputies from getting inside the burning home, and the structure was fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived.
The day after the fire, authorities confirmed the victims as 67-year-old Lauren Lee McFarland and 69-year-old Donald Everett Miller, who lived in the home.
“The Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office reported the cause of death for both decedents was carbon monoxide poisoning due to smoke and soot inhalation,” said Clinton County Sheriff Rick Lincoln. “The cause of death was ruled accidental.”
“The Iowa State Fire Marshal’s Office determined the cause and origin of the fire was inconclusive,” Sheriff Lincoln said.