Remains Of Lower North Fork Fire Victim Positively ID'd
DENVER (AP) - Authorities have positively identified the remains of a Colorado woman suspected of dying in her burned-out home after a devastating wildfire that also killed two other people.
Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Carl Blesch says the remains of 51-year-old Ann Appel were identified Tuesday.
Appel's family reported her missing after the fire broke out March 26, and human remains were found in her home March 31. Authorities had said earlier they believed the remains were Appel's.
The fire also killed 77-year-old Sam Lucas and his 76-year-old wife, Linda "Moaneti" Lucas. Their remains were found at their home.
The coroner's office is awaiting lab tests before announcing the cause of death of all three victims.
The fire blackened 6 square miles and damaged or destroyed more than two dozen homes.
By REMA RAHMAN, Associated Press
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