ASHLAND – An elderly female resident of Ashland Heights trailer park was found dead at her residence Friday morning following a fire in the residence.
The fire remains under investigation with the state fire marshal, but smoke inhalation appears to have been the cause of death. Foul play is not suspected, according to Ashland County Coroner’s investigator Jenny Taylor.
Taylor confirmed the deceased is 80-year-old Becky L. McPherson. Ashland Fire Department Capt. Rob McCrea said the victim was the resident of the trailer that burned at 1520 Orange Road, Lot 27.
No other people were home at the time of the fire, McCrea said, but a dog that was living there was able to escape.
McCrea said Ashland Police were called to check on the female resident after signs of fire were seen outside the trailer. They arrived to find fire damage in the kitchen and heavy smoke damage throughout the trailer. They also found the body of the deceased victim.
“What don’t know exactly what time the fire was. The fire was completely out and cold when we arrived this morning,” McCrea said. “Ashland Police Department was here and investigated as well, and we don’t believe it was criminal in nature.”
A neighbor at the trailer park said McPherson had lived at the trailer park for years.
