Published: January 07, 2009 10:55 pm      

Woman killed in house fire

The cause of Miami County blaze is unknown

A 69-year-old Miami County woman died inside her burning residence Tuesday, according to the Miami County Sheriff Department.

Oneida Bryant’s body was discovered by emergency responders inside the residence she shared with her husband, Ronald “Jack” Bryant, who was not home at the time.

A neighbor called the Amboy Fire Department at 12:56 p.m. when he discovered the house on fire.

The caller and a member of the Bryant family who lived nearby attempted to rescue Bryant, but the rescue efforts were unsuccessful because the house was fully engulfed, Sgt. Mike Rogers of the Miami County Sheriff Department reported.

Bryant was pronounced dead at the scene. The exact cause was not determined and is pending the results of an autopsy, Rogers said.

Family members said Bryant was dependent on a wheelchair and a walker.

A neighbor who assisted in the rescue attempt suffered smoke inhalation and was later treated at a hospital.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. The two-story wooden structure was destroyed by the fire.

The Amboy Fire Department was assisted by the Converse and Pipe Creek fire departments, Miami County Emergency Management Agency and the Miami County Coroner’s Office.

Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com