MEDIA RELEASE
Date: December 12, 2009
Time: 11:00 A.M.
Yankeetown, Florida- On December 12, 2009 the Levy County Sheriff's Office responded to the Cattail Creek RV Park located in Yankeetown in reference to a fire. Upon arrival an older model 20' travel trailer was fully in gulfed in flames. The caretaker of the park saw the travel trailer on fire and called 9-1-1. Several citizens attempted to enter the travel trailer but due to the intense heat and smoke were unable do so.
The Yankeetown Fire Department responded to the scene and a fire fighter was able to enter the travel trailer in an attempt to rescue the home owner 89 year old, James Edward Carnathan from the residence. Mr. Carnathan was later pronounced dead at the scene and will be transported to the Medical Examiners Office to determine the cause of death. Deputies do not suspect foul play and at this time it is believed that the fire started from two space heaters inside the trailer travel. Carnathan is from Pennsylvania and he has resided in Levy County for approximately one year.
The investigation was turned over to the State Fire Marshall for further investigation.
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