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Last updated on Saturday, November 10, 2012
(MITCHELL) - According to Lawrence County Coroner John Sherrill, 53-year-old Dalenia Truesdel died of smoke inhalation and heat exposure.
According to Mitchell Volunteer Fire Chief Tyler Duncan, the home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived just before 6 p.m.
"Her husband (Andy) was pulling into the driveway when he noticed smoke coming from the roof area," Duncan says. "He attempted to enter the home, but was overcome with heavy smoke and intense heat and was not able to get to her."
Duncan says Andy then ran across the street to the home of Mitchell Police Chief Mike Hardman who then alerted the fire department.
Duncan says the woman was the only person inside the house when the fire started. The state fire marshal believes the fire started in the kitchen area. Truesdel was found in the adjacent living room of the one-story structure.
Funeral arrangements for Truesdel are pending at Chastain Funeral Home in Mitchell.
Assistant Chief Joe Duncan says, Mitchell VFD responded with three fire trucks and 7 men to battle the blaze.
"The home was fully involved, flames were shooting out the roof, but we were able to get it knocked down pretty quick," Joe Duncan says. "The house is destroyed. There is just not much left."
Tyler Duncan says the cause of the fire remains under investigation and more information will be released as soon as it's available.
Family member were on the scene, along with Mayor Gary Pruett.
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