Baltimore City Firefighter's Death Ruled Accident

BALTIMORE (WJZ) - A Baltimore city firefighter whose body was found in the basement of a vacant row house died of smoke inhalation.

According to The Baltimore Sun, Lt. Jim Bethea's death was ruled accidental, according to a spokesman from the medical examiner's office.

Bethea's death remained a mystery after he was found dead in the basement of a vacant home just hours after responding to a fire next door.

According to fire officials, Lt. Bethea was still showing on scene at dispatch headquarters. That's when a dispatcher decided to place him back in station, indicating he had returned. That is typically done by the firefighters and safety officers themselves.

Lt. Bethea showed up to the 700-block of E. North Avenue in response to a fire at a vacant rowhome. It was nearly eight hours later when another officer noticed his vehicle still at the scene. Officials believe the 62-year-old may have been checking the status of an adjacent home.

"That is not something that is normal. And that is something we are investigating at this time as to why it was done," said Captain Roman Clark, Baltimore City Fire Department.

This story is developing. Stay tuned to CBSBaltimore.com for the latest.

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