Update on Essex Fells fire:
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Essex Fells Police Chief Vincent Kulik announced today that the victim of the fatal fire in Essex Fells has been identified as Michelle L. Meoli, 60, of Essex Fells.
Yesterday, at approximately 2:35 a.m., Essex Fells police and fire units responded to a report of a fire at 68 Fells Road. Arriving first responders located the victim in the rear of the residence and removed her from the house. First aid was administered to the victim and she was transported to Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge, where she was pronounced dead at 4:06 a.m. It appears she was the only person residing in the house.
The fire investigation is ongoing but it does not appear to be suspicious at this time, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly.
The cause and manner of death are pending test results.
No additional information is available at this time.
Previous article:
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Essex Fells Police Chief Vincent Kulik have announced that authorities are investigating a fire in Essex Fells, NJ earlier this morning in which one person was fatally injured. At approximately 2:35 a.m., Essex Fells police and fire units responded to a report of a fire at 68 Fells Road. Arriving first responders located a female inside the residence and removed her from the house. First aid was administered to the victim and she was transported to Mountainside Hospital in Glen Ridge, NJ, where she was pronounced dead at 4:06 a.m.
The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Arson Task Force, according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending formal identification and notification of next of kin, according to Fennelly. The cause of death will be determined by an autopsy at the NJ Regional Medical Examiner's Office in Newark, according to Fennelly.
