3/11/15

S O  Patch(Cleveland)- Some  results from an autopsy performed Wednesday on  the victim of a fatal fire that occurred  Tuesday afternoon in White County have  been released.  White County Chief Deputy Bob Ingram said  late Wednesday afternoon,  “the findings showed no visible injury or trauma,” and they were waiting toxicology test  reports, which could take some time. Chief Ingram said nothing in the findings changed their minds, “ that the source of the fire was gasoline and matches. “

White County Deputy Coroner Jim Etheridge  said through the use of dental records, they confirmed the identity of  the victim as that of  46-year old Betty Jean  Fortner of Cleveland. Etheridge had no further comments on the findings.   

Ingram  reported that they received a call at 3:15 pm Tuesday  to a residence on Duncan Bridge Road in the county for   a vehicle fire with occupant inside the  vehicle deceased.   .  A Georgia Power employee drove by and saw the flames turned around and used a fire extinguisher in his vehicle to extinguish the flames, but it was too late.

There was no indication from  either official that there was foul play involved.

 The incident remains under investigation by the  White County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation,  State Fire Marshall Office and White County Corner’s office.