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The fire that killed two men Friday morning is still under investigation by the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Kosicusko County Coroner Larry Ladd and Squad 70, the county's fire investigation team.
Albert Maples, 35, and David Gressley, 20, Claypool, were pronounced dead at the scene of the 4:46 a.m. fire at Lot 16 in Regency Point Estates, 8280 U.S. 30E. Maples and Gressley were the only people in the mobilehome when the fire broke out.
According to fire inspector Mike Wilson, there was no electricity or natural gas service to the mobile home since July 23. Neighbors reported candles were used at night, he said.
The origin of the fire, he said, was in one of two rooms on the east end of the trailer in the area of the bedrooms and bathroom.
The mobile home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived and crews were unable to attempt any rescue. The bodies of the two men were located after the fire extinguished.
The bodies of both men were taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, Fort Wayne, for autopsies to determine their causes of death.
An unoccupied mobile home to the south of the two men's residence sustained approximately $2,000 in smoke damage, Wilson said. Damage to the primary fire structure is estimated at more than $10,000 and the home is considered a total loss.
