29 August 2024
MIDWAY TOWNSHIP — A man was found dead at the scene of a house fire at 5321 Old Highway 61 on Aug. 18.
Due to the intensity of the blaze, authorities are still awaiting positive identification of the person killed in the fire. A news release from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said the victim was located in the residence’s living room and is believed to be the homeowner, Michael O’Neil, 61. The victim’s identity still awaits definitive determination by the medical examiner’s office using dental records.
The Proctor Fire Department responded at 11:35 p.m. Aug. 18 and requested mutual aid from the Hermantown, Solway and Esko fire departments as well as assistance from Air National Guard firefighters. They battled the blaze for two hours.
The residence is considered a total loss.
“According to the state fire marshal, the fire does not appear to be suspicious in nature at this time,” the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.
The sheriff’s office and state fire marshal’s office continue to investigate the fire.
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