Patrick F. Walsh Jr., 65, of Milford

MILFORD — State and local fire officials said Tuesday that smoke inhalation caused the death of Patrick J. Walsh Jr., who was found deceased by firefighters battling a fire that broke out in Walsh’s mobile home late Friday night.

Walsh, 65, was an avid skier and longtime Manchester car dealer who was popular with customers, according to an obituary posted online by the Smith & Heald Funeral Home.

Firefighters, police and medical personnel were called to the mobile home, at 11 Leisure Way, at about 11:45 p.m. by neighbors who reported seeing fire and smoke through the windows.

They also told crews that there was a person inside the home.

Crews made their way into the home and attacked the fire, and while in the process of extinguishing the flames they located the victim, later identified as Walsh.

An autopsy conducted at the office of the state Chief Medical Examiner confirmed that smoke inhalation caused Walsh’s death, and that the manner of death was accidental.

The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation, officials said.

They ask anyone with any information about the fire to contact the state Fire Marshal’s office at 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.

In a statement, state Fire Marshal Sean Toomey underscored the importance of having working smoke detectors or alarms in homes, and reminded residents to keep exits clear and accessible “at all times … and have a home fire escape plan.”

Toomey didn’t say whether Walsh’s mobile home was equipped with smoke detectors. He did say that anytime an alarm sounds, or whenever smoke or fire are visible, residents should immediately exit the home and call 911.

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