59-year-old Man Killed in Ocean County, NJ Fire; Ruled Accidental

Authorities in Ocean County say a 59-year-old man died in a fire Wednesday afternoon.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer's office says at around 1:30, multiple fire companies were dispatched to a structure fire on Tortola Street in Berkeley Township.

As firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze, a 59-year-old man was discovered inside.

He was taken to RWJ Community Medical Center in Toms River where he later died from his injuries.

Get our free mobile app

Smoking to blame

A thorough and extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Berkeley Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, determined that the fire originated on a recliner in the living room of the residence, and that cause of the fire was accidental due to smoking.

As of Thursday afternoon, authorities had not released the man's name.

The 30 worst rated schools in New Jersey

Here are the 30 lowest-rated schools statewide, based on their 2021-2022 New Jersey School Performance Reports — involving scores for language arts, math and attendance. (For an explanation of how the state calculates the "accountability indicator scores" and overall rating for each school, see page 90 of this reference guide.)

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt

The 30 best rated schools in New Jersey

Here are the top 30 schools statewide, based on their 2021-2022 New Jersey School Performance Reports — involving scores for language arts, math and attendance. (For an explanation of how the state calculates the "accountability indicator scores" and overall rating for each school, see page 90 of this reference guide.)

Gallery Credit: Erin Vogt