MANCHESTER — A fatal house fire that claimed the life of a 65-year-old Manchester man has been ruled accidental, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced.
First responders from the Manchester Township Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Panda Lane at approximately 9:05 p.m. on July 9. During a primary search of the residence, firefighters located the body of the homeowner, identified as Michael Seaman, 65.
Following an extensive investigation, authorities determined the fire originated from a mattress in a southwest bedroom. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad concluded the blaze was caused by careless smoking and was accidental in nature.
A post-mortem examination performed by the Ocean County Medical Examiner on July 10 confirmed that Seaman died from smoke inhalation. His death was also ruled accidental.
Prosecutor Billhimer thanked the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Manchester Township Police Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Medical Examiner’s Office for their coordinated efforts during the investigation.
