Deadly Recliner Fire: Woman, 77, Dies Near Coal City

COAL CITY, IL — A 77-year-old woman who lived in the small town of Diamond, near Coal City, died early Friday evening in a house fire. The blaze took place on South Heritage Drive.

Grundy County Coroner John Callahan identified the fatal fire victim as Valerie Morris. She lived at the house with her husband, Richard, and he was rescued during the blaze. According to the Grundy coroner, the fire broke out around 5 p.m. as both Mr. and Mrs. Morris were in the home.

According to the Illinois State Fire Marshall, the fire started in or around the reclining chair where Mrs. Morris sat.

"Currently, it is unclear the exact origin of the fire," Callahan announced in his press release. "Mr. Morris attempted to extinguish the fire but was overcome by smoke."

An off-duty Coal City firefighter passing by the house saw the smoke and entered. He managed to get Mr. Morris out of the house, however, due to the heavy smoke, the firefighter was unable to rescue Mrs. Morris.

Mrs. Morris was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:38 p.m. As for her husband, Mr. Morris was taken to the Morris Hospital Emergency Room, where he was in good condition.

The Coal City Fire Department and several other departments and Grundy Sheriff also assisted at the scene, the coroner noted.