Dental records will be needed to identify the body found in the charred rubble of a home burned to the ground Thursday on Tranquility Way near Center Hill Lake.
Sheriff Patrick Ray says the state medical examiner conducted an autopsy but the body was burned beyond recognition so dental records will be used to make a positive identity.
According to Sheriff Ray, the autopsy revealed evidence of smoke inhalation, which may have caused or contributed to the victim’s death.
Sheriff Ray is now releasing the name of the person who lived at the residence, Cliff Thornley of 625 Tranquility Way, but can’t say for certain yet if the body found is that of Thornley.
The investigation continues, but Sheriff Ray says the preliminary findings indicate no sign of foul play. He says this appears to have been an accidental fire, the cause of which is officially undetermined. It appears the fire may have started in the front portion of the home.
The Thornley residence was completely destroyed in the blaze.
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