3/11/15
(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.