Midwest City man dies overnight after fire Wednesday

From Staff Reports

Published: July 3, 2008

MIDWEST CITY — A 79-year-old Midwest City man died Thursday, hours after firefighters found him unconscious in a burning home.

John Coleman died early Thursday morning at Midwest Regional Medical Center, Midwest City Fire Department spokesman Jerry Lojka said.

About 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, firefighters responded to a blaze at 131 W Lilac Lane and found Coleman unconscious in a back bedroom, Lojka said. A substantial fire was burning in the living room and heavy smoke filled the home.

Investigators believe the fire was caused by a lamp positioned too close to drapes in the home. Lojka said the fire caused an estimated $50,000 in damage to the home.