Identity of 72-year-old Gurnee woman who died in home fire has been released
A 72-year-old woman who died in a fire at her home April 15 in Gurnee was identified Wednesday by the Lake County Coroner’s Office as Joann Yamamoto.
Preliminary results of an autopsy last week showed her death was consistent with smoke inhalation. Yamamoto had been positively identified but was not named as investigators searched for relatives.
Gurnee fire and police responded to Yamamoto’s home on the 1600 block of Dolcetto Lane about 9:11 p.m. April 15 for reports of a structure fire. They encountered heavy smoke and active fire conditions at the rear of the house.
Officers tried to gain entry, but both the front and rear entrances were blocked by what appeared to be furniture and household items.
Firefighters had to attack the fire through windows as access to the interior was delayed due to extreme hoarding throughout the home, authorities said.
During firefighting and search efforts, Yamamoto was located and pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology testing, including carbon monoxide levels, are pending, according to the coroner’s office.
A suspected cause or damage estimate has not been given. An investigation continues.