THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 17, 1997 TAG: 9702170090
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: CHARLOTTESVILLE LENGTH: 23 lines
A 24-year-old woman died in an apartment fire early Sunday, and investigators said the victim apparently fell asleep in a chair while smoking.
Evidence showed that Lynnette Shelton, a five-year resident of the apartment complex, may have tried to beat out the fire when it erupted around her before running into her bedroom, said Deputy Fire Chief Grover Smiley.
The fire reported shortly after midnight was contained to the living room of Shelton's apartment, and no other apartments in the three-story building were damaged.
Shelton was found lying face-up and unconscious at the foot of her bed by firefighters. Paramedics could not revive her.
Neighbors reported hearing the victim's smoke detector.
KEYWORDS: FIRE DEATH FATALITY