A former Columbian reporter turned Vancouver social activist killed in a house fire in March died of carbon monoxide intoxication, ruled an accident, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office said Wednesday.
Brian Willoughby, 56, was the victim in a fatal house fire at 516 W. 30th St. on March 28. A passer-by called 911 to report the fire at 6:42 p.m. and told dispatchers that someone was still inside the burning house.
Firefighters found Willoughby’s body inside the house along with a cat and dog who died in the fire.
Investigators said that a problem with a lamp or cellphone charger in a bedroom sparked the blaze. The flames caused an estimated $75,000 in damage to the house.