Woman, 84, Dies In Residential Fire In Schaumburg

SCHAUMBURG, IL — An 84-year-old woman died as a result of injuries sustained in a single family house fire Friday in the 0-100 block of Treebark Drive in Schaumburg. Marlene Murphy was pronounced dead at 9:52 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner.

Police and fire personnel responded to the home at around 9:21 p.m. and found flames and smoke emitting from the residence.

An 87-year-old homeowner was found inside and safely evacuated. The man indicated that his wife was still upstairs. An officer attempted to proceed to the upstairs area, but was overcome by heavy smoke and evacuated.

Fire personnel arrived, recovered the victim from upstairs and she was pronounced deceased on the scene. The homeowner was taken to AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center and treated for non-life threatening, burn injuries. One officer was taken to the same hospital for smoke inhalation, treated and released.

The fire was extinguished and the cause has not been officially determined. Heavy smoke and fire damage were sustained at the residence, which was deemed uninhabitable. A neighbor responded to provide assistance for the displaced homeowner.

This is an active investigation being conducted by the Schaumburg Police Investigations Division and the Schaumburg Fire Department.