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Thomas Highland, 61, was pronounced dead Friday, March 25 at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office said. His death was ruled accidental and caused by inhalation injuries sustained in the fire.
The fire broke out around 5:25 a.m. on May 30, 2021, in the 400 block of Center Avenue in Jim Thorpe, police said. His wife, Lynn was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Democratic borough councilman began his third term this year, The Times-News of Lehighton reports.
Highland Beverages posted a tribute on Facebook Saturday, March 26.
"Tom was one of the richest men around," the statement reads. "Your smile and your giving heart will be missed.
More than $35,000 had been raised on a GoFundMe for the couple's daughter, Jordan as of Monday, March 28.
The fire remains under investigation by the Jim Thorpe Police Department, Jim Thorpe Fire Department, and Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall.
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