An 87-year-old Chatawa woman died Tuesday afternoon after she apparently fell into a burn pile at her home.
Pike County Sheriff’s investigator Chris Bell said Juanita Martin died at her home at 6038 Old Highway 51.
Deputies responded to the call around 5:30 p.m., Bell said.
Martin’s daughter, Anita Ruthrot, told deputies that she arrived at her home next door and noticed that Martin had been working in her yard and had a few burn piles in the yard.
Bell said Ruthrot went looking for Martin and found that she had apparently fallen into one of the burn piles and was unresponsive.
Pike County Coroner Percy Pittman pronounced Martin dead on the scene at 5:37 p.m.
Bell said it appears Martin died from smoke inhalation. An autopsy has been ordered. Martin’s death appears accidental and is still under investigation.
Sharkey Funeral Home of Summit is handling arrangements.
