South Abilene House Fire That Claimed 2 Lives Ruled Accidental

ABILENE, TX-- Officials say the south Abilene house fire on July 20 was accidental, caused by a lit cigarette, as reported by KTXS.

The fire happened in the 4000 block of Pamela Drive and killed 82-year-old Barbara Cocke and her son, Michael Cocke, 58.

KTXS was told by Abilene fire investigators the fire started in the living room when a lit cigarette was dropped on the floor before spreading to a nearby couch.

KTXS obtained the final autopsy report which showed Barbara Cocke ultimately died of smoke inhalation.

The Abilene Fire Department said Barbara Cocke called 9-1-1 around 2 a.m. Firefighters were on scene and pulled the victims out of the burning home in five minutes.

Michael Cocke was flown to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas where he was later pronounced dead.

Barbara Cocke was pronounced dead at the Abilene Regional Medical Center.