Person found dead in aftermath of Athens house fire yet to be identified

By Joe Johnson

Authorities are awaiting confirmation from the state medical examiner’s office before releasing the apparent identity of the person whose body was found inside a house that was destroyed by fire Monday morning in west Athens.

Firefighters responded to the house on Briarcliff Road at about 2:18 a.m. and upon arrival they encountered heavy fire conditions throughout

the home.

Due to the intensity and spread of the flames, the firefighters were unable to conduct a search of the

structure and they initiated defensive operations to bring the blaze under control.

Due to floor collapse and a lack of structural integrity, the firefighters could not immediately enter the

home , and the body was located about three hours later.

Believed to be that of a male, the body was transported to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s forensic laboratory for an autopsy and identification.