By: Tracie Carter
Authorities in Ocean County have identified a 67-year-old woman who died in an apartment fire Friday night in Toms River.
According to information released by Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, the victim was identified as Barbara Booker, a resident of the Highland Plaza Apartments on Highland Parkway.
Officials said firefighters and police responded to the apartment complex at approximately 11:20 p.m. on October 23 after receiving reports of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, emergency crews discovered smoke coming from a second-floor apartment.
During a search of the residence, firefighters found Booker unresponsive on the living room floor. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation involving the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad and several local agencies determined that the fire originated on a couch inside the apartment.
Investigators concluded that the blaze was accidental and resulted from careless smoking.
An autopsy conducted by the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office on October 24 determined that Booker died from smoke inhalation caused by the fire.
Her death was officially ruled accidental.