HARTFORD, Ala. — A 77-year-old woman from Hartford, Alabama, has died following a house fire that occurred over the weekend. Barbara Carmichael was found deceased at her home on Rose Avenue Saturday afternoon after her family had been unable to reach her earlier in the day.
According to Geneva County Coroner Donny Atkinson, Carmichael’s family became concerned after multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact her. Deciding to check on her, they arrived at the home and made the grim discovery. The coroner was called to the scene, and the Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office was subsequently notified to assist in the investigation.
Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have started late Friday night. Officials believe the flames were contained within the house, possibly extinguished due to a lack of oxygen. Atkinson stated that Carmichael’s body would be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
The Alabama Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate the fire, though the cause remains under examination. Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
