A Liberty-Eylau community resident apparently died of smoke inhalation, during a house fire early Thursday morning.
Bowie County Deputy Fire Marshal Scottie Taylor said a Dallas autopsy report indicates that Joe Nathan Thompson Jr., 61, died of accidental smoke inhalation, resulting from a fire, that originated near the home's refrigerator in the 7000 block of West Seventh Street.
Taylor said firefighters responded to the blaze at about 12:05 a.m. and had the fire, which severely damaged at least one quarter of the home, under control by 12:40 a.m.
Taylor also said Sgt. Thomas Cooley with Texas State Fire Marshal's Office, brought in a K-9 unit to determine if any accelerants may have been used in the fire, but no evidence could be found.
Thompson was found laying in a hallway, close to the home's living room. Rescuers performed CPR, however, once he was placed in an ambulance, which arrived on the scene, authorities determined that Thompson was deceased.
Authorities believe Thomson was the only one living in the home, at the time.
Taylor said the home wasn't insured and that the investigation is basically finished.