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Autopsy shows Merrimack fire victim died of smoke inhalation

By Dean Shalhoup - Senior Staff Reporter | Dec 4, 2020

Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS A 2-alarm fire that heavily damaged this home at 6 Harris Ave. Wednesday morning claimed the life of its occupant, 81-year-old Shirley Mae Gordon. (Photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS)

MERRIMACK – While the cause of Wednesday morning’s 2-alarm fire that claimed the life of 81-year-old Shirley Mae Gordon remains under investigation, officials have determined that Gordon died of smoke inhalation.

The manner of Gordon’s death has been classified as accidental, officials added.

Those determinations were made Thursday based on the results of an autopsy conducted at the state Medical Examiner’s office in Concord.

The old New Englander-style home at 6 Harris Ave., where Gordon apparently lived alone, was ablaze when Merrimack firefighters arrived around 5:30 a.m., interim Fire Chief Matthew Duke said Wednesday.

Crews initially attacked the flames, which were heaviest on the first floor near the front of the building, in an attempt to knock them down so a search crew could enter.

They were eventually successful, but upon entry crews found it difficult to move around due to the large number of items in the house, officials said.

They located Gordon toward the rear of the home, Duke said, but attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.

State Fire Marshal Paul Parisi, who responded to the scene to take part in the investigation, issued cautionary reminders to homeowners regarding fire safety.

He said everyone is urged to “maintain working smoke alarms in their home,” and to keep all exits clear of debris.

Residents should also “have your heating systems inspected and maintained on an annual basis,” and always make sure that any combustible materials are placed at least 3-5 feet away from any heating appliance.

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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