Victim In Fatal Marlborough Fire Identified

MARLBOROUGH, MA—The person who died in last week's fatal fire in Marlborough on April 20 has been identified.

The state's fire marshal, the middlesex district attorney and Marlborough's fire chief have confirmed that Ann Leonard, the only resident of the 86 Neil St. home, died in the blaze. Leonard was 59.

The improper disposal of smoking materialswas ruled the cause of a house fire that took the life of Leonard and her cat. Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier, Marlborough Fire Chief Kevin J. Breen and Marlborough Police Chief David Giorgi said the cause of the fire at 86 Neil St. was the improper disposal of smoking materials.

The fire began in the living room near the couch, said officials. The occupants of the other side of the duplex at 88 Neil St. were alerted to the fire by the sound of the smoke alarms at 86, and were able to safely escape. Investigators believe the victim may have tried to fight the fire herself as they found the water in the kitchen sink running.

Chief Breen said in a statement, “On behalf of the city of Marlborough and the men and women of the fire department I offer my deepest condolences to the friends and family who have lost a loved one. I would remind everyone that you have only minutes to escape a fire. Don’t delay. Get out, stay out and call 9-1-1 from outside the fire.”