The fire was confined to the kitchen and was quickly put out. But when authorities searched the apartment, they reportedly found the dead man in another room, possibly the bedroom. Authorities say 81-year-old Nelson McClendon was living alone and wore a bracelet indicating he had medical problems.
Authorities say the fire was not immediately believed to be suspicious. But the death of the man is now under investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
No other residents or firefighters were injured.
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