Woman Dies In Peoria Garage Fire

Press release from the Peoria County Government:

On Friday, January 15, 2021 at approximately 8:00 a.m., the Peoria Fire Department and Peoria Police Department were called to 1928 S. Stanley Street for light smoke coming from the garage behind the residence. Once the fire was extinguished, firefighters discovered the body of an obviously deceased female on a couch inside of the garage.

The female, 46-year-old Laurie A. Helms, whose last known address was in Canton, IL, was pronounced deceased at 8:36 a.m. by the Peoria County Coroner. At the time of this release, it is unknown if she resided at this address or why she was in the garage.

Autopsy performed during the afternoon of January 15 demonstrated that Helms suffered smoke inhalation and had extensive burns throughout 90% of her body. Because of information and evidence recovered from the scene, toxicology testing is pending for possible contributing factors.

The Peoria Fire Department and Peoria Police Department continue to investigate. Any future updates from the Coroner's Office will be shared here if/when available.

This press release was produced by the Peoria County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.