SOUTH WHITEHALL TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania — A man was pulled from a burning house Monday morning and pronounced dead at the scene — and now investigators are trying to piece together what he was doing inside a home that was supposed to be empty.
Christopher R. Forsythe, 37, of Allentown, was pronounced dead at 5 a.m. on July 13 outside a residence in the 2800 block of Helen Street.
The fire broke out at a home that authorities described as reportedly vacant at the time.
What the Autopsy Revealed
Forsythe’s body was recovered from inside the residence after firefighters brought the blaze under control.
An autopsy performed Monday at the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensic Center determined that he died from inhalation of combustion products and thermal injuries — in other words, smoke and fire.
The manner of death has not yet been officially determined. It remains pending further investigation.
Multiple Agencies Now Investigating
The case is being handled jointly by the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, the South Whitehall Township Police Department, and the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal.
The fire itself drew a large emergency response. Nine fire departments assisted at the scene, including Woodlawn, Greenawalds, Cetronia, Tri-Clover, Western Salisbury, Upper Macungie, Coplay, Catasauqua, and Neffs. Cetronia Ambulance Corps also responded.
The coroner’s office extended condolences to Forsythe’s family and thanked all first responders involved.
No further details have been released as the investigation continues.
Did you see or hear anything near Helen Street on Monday morning? Share what you know in the comments below.