By Steve Huffman
shuffman@salisburypost.com
An elderly Salisbury man found dead in his house earlier this week apparently died of smoke inhalation.
Gordon Beck, 86, was found dead Wednesday afternoon in his house at 506 Bringle Ferry Road. Firefighters had entered the structure after a passerby reported seeing smoke coming from the roof.
Members of Beck’s family contacted the Post Thursday and said they thought their loved one had been dead for several days prior to the fire.
But a news release from the Salisbury Fire Department issued Friday indicated that was not the case. “Preliminary reports received this morning from the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office indicate that Beck died from carbon monoxide poisoning associated with smoke inhalation at the time of the fire,” the news release reads.
According to the fire department, the small fire was confined to a small bedroom area on the ground floor at the back of the house. The fire did slight damage to the exterior of the house, but did not reach the second floor or attic.
According to fire department officials, Beck was found sitting in a chair in the bedroom area. The fire has been ruled accidental.
Fire officials said the cause of the fire appeared related to an overloading of electrical circuits in the house. Damage to the house and contents was estimated at $11,000. There were no sprinklers or smoke detectors in the house.
Members of Beck’s family said he had lived alone in the house since the mid-1970s when his mother died. Beck, who was raised in the house, suffered severe injuries while serving in the Army during World War II, those family members said, and had been unable to hold a job since.
Neighbors described Beck as quiet and reserved, but friendly.