Emergency crews in the Town of Highland responded to a residential structure fire on Rustic Inn Lane in the hamlet of Yulan around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12.
Witnesses told first responders that two people were believed to be trapped inside the building, according to New York State Police.
Authorities later identified the victims as George Argento, 65, of Brooklyn, and Yerim Goh, 62, of Yulan. Both were found inside a first-floor apartment and pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
Preliminary findings indicate the fire began in the northwest corner of the apartment. Investigators said the victims were discovered close to one another in a first-floor room, and several electric space heaters were observed inside the residence. The building contains three apartments.
Autopsies determined both individuals died from smoke inhalation and thermal burns. The manner of death is not considered suspicious, police said.
Investigators have interviewed residents in neighboring units and canvassed the surrounding area. No evidence of criminal activity has been found, though the investigation remains ongoing pending a final fire analysis.
Fire departments from Sparrowbush, Yulan, Narrowsburg, Lava, and the City of Port Jervis assisted with the response.
Additional details about Argento and Goh were not immediately available. Loved ones are invited to share a statement, funeral details, and/or photos by emailing [email protected].
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