KERSEY – Ridgway-based state police reported that a state police fire marshal, members of the Depeartment of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Fox Township fire chief conducted an investigation into a brush fire that claimed the life of a Kersey man Thursday morning.
According to police 85-year-old Milton Badeau was tending a controlled burn when the fire escaped the burn area and began to consume natural cover in the vicinity.
Badeau attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden tool but was overcome by smoke and flame, according to police. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Elk County Deputy Coroner Robert Sorg.
An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death. The cause of the fire is considered accidental and foul play is not suspected.
The Fox Township Fire Department and Fox Township Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.
