Deputy State Fire Marshals have concluded the fire originated on a mattress in the bedroom of the second floor apartment and quickly spread heavy smoke through the second floor. Investigators have also determined the fire was the result of careless smoking by the victim.

Twenty-five firefighters from Leonardtown, Mechanicsville, and Hollywood responded and were able to bring the fire under control without injury in ten minutes. First arriving firefighters along with Sheriff’s Deputies and other responders were able to remove the victim from his second floor bathroom and administer CPR; however they were unable to resuscitate him. He was transported by ambulance and pronounced dead at St. Mary’s Hospital.

The home is owned and occupied on the first floor by Bob Norman Gileau along with his wife. The victim rented the second floor which had been converted to an apartment. Smoke alarms were present however it is uncertain if they operated. Additionally, investigators believe a medical condition may have kept the victim from being able to escape the fire. A forensic examination of the victim by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death.