A Habersham County couple killed in a mobile home fire died of smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning, according to an autopsy report released by the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Habersham County Coroner’s Office received the report this week.
A.J. and Tina Chitwood died July 18th when fire swept through their mobile home on Waterway Court near Clarkesville.
The fire originated on a sofa inside the home, according to State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesman Glenn Allen. “Investigators believe that the fire was the result of careless use of smoking materials,” he says.
The Chitwoods were found in their bathroom. Officials who were on the scene that day say it appeared A.J. was trying to protect his wife from the fire. Firefighters pulled the couple from the burning home through the bathroom window. Both were pronounced dead at Habersham Medical Center.
Tina’s 16-year old son lived with the couple but was not at home at the time of the fire.
