Cause Of New London Fire That Led To CEO's Death Unclear: Report

NEW LONDON, CT — An investigation has found that in the hours before Tony Hsieh, retired CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos, died due to smoke inhalation, two previous fires were extinguished in the shed where he slept, according to The Associated Press. Hsieh, 46, died at the 500 Pequot Ave. home Nov. 18.

A report by New London Fire Marshal Vernon Skau detailed the events leading up to the blaze that killed Hsieh, but no exact cause of the fire was determined. It's possible the fire was caused by carelessly discarded smoking materials, the misuse of candles, or an intentional act by Hsieh, The Associated Press reported.

Near where the fire started, investigators found discarded cigarettes, a marijuana pipe, liquor bottles, several candles, and nitrous oxide containers, or “whippits.” They also found a partially disassembled propane tank.

Fire investigators believe Hsieh was intoxicated when the fire broke out and that he went to the shed following a dispute with the home’s owner, according to The Hartford Courant. Hsieh's friends had been checking on him frequently before the shed caught fire.

Evidence also showed that when the fire intensified, Hsieh locked himself in the shed.

Emergency personnel breached the storage area door, retrieved Hsieh, and extinguished the fire. He was transported to L+M Hospital where he later died.

Several media reports have noted that the billionaire former CEO was struggling with drug addiction. Hsieh was experimenting with drugs such as mushrooms and ecstasy, and had an increased intake of alcohol following his retirement, according to People Magazine.

Family and friends were trying to get Hsieh into rehabilitation months before he died, The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.