The man who lost his life in a fire that destroyed a Mt. Vernon home early Tuesday morning has been identified.
He’s 41-year-old William Stief who resided at the home in the 1500 block of Jones Street. An autopsy completed Wednesday afternoon indicated the death was likely from smoke inhalation.
However, a final determination will not be made until toxicology tests are returned.
Stief was found inside the home during firefighting efforts.
Another resident of the home, George Harrington, was outside the home upon the department’s arrival. He was taken to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment and then transferred to a burn unit in Springfield.
Mt. Vernon Fire Chief Kevin Sargent has not had an update on his condition. He reports the State Fire Marshal’s office is continuing to work to try and determine the cause of the fire.
