A man had been drinking when a cigarette set his couch on fire, starting a blaze in which he died, investigators said.
Thomas Wingrove, 47, of Star Junction, was found dead about two hours after firefighters responded to the blaze at his home about 8:45 p.m. Sunday, authorities said.
Toxicology tests showed Wingrove's blood-alcohol content was 0.2 percent, well over the state's 0.08 percent legal limit for driving, Fayette County Coroner Dr. Phillip Reilly said yesterday.
The coroner said Mr. Wingrove was alive when the fire started but breathed in carbon monoxide as he tried to escape.
"In all likelihood, he was smoking and fell asleep," said Trooper John Marshall, who investigated the fire.
First Published: April 21, 2006, 4:00 a.m.
