Man Rescued In Merrimack Fire Dies From Injuries

MERRIMACK – A man rescued from a fire on Riverside Drive on Thursday later died at an area hospital.

State Fire Marshal Paul J. Parisi, along with Merrimack Police Chief Denise Roy and Merrimack Fire Chief Michael Currier, announced that Merrimack Police and Fire responded to several calls of smoke on the area Thursday morning. After checking several streets in the area, firefighters found a residence on Riverside Drive on fire.

One adult male was taken from the home, and transported to an area hospital, but did not survive his injuries. Following a Friday autopsy, the victim was identified as Merill Tye, 62, of Merrimack.

The cause of death was ruled smoke inhalation. The origin and cause of the fire is still under investigation, but is focused on a few possible ignition sources that are being called accidental in nature.

Parisi advised to make sure residents have working smoke detectors throughout the home, and cautioned against excessive storage and hoarding conditions that could cause injuries in a fire to both occupants and firefighters.

“If you know of anyone, especially the elderly, who live in hoarding conditions, please contact your local health department and social services to provide assistance, and help improve their fire and health safety,” Parisi said in a statement.