No foul play is suspected in the investigation of a Callaway County man's death in a Thursday night residential fire. An autopsy is scheduled in the case.
Robert Walker, 37, died from smoke inhalation while trying to escape his residence at 2952 Ben Oaks Drive near Millersburg, according to Lt. Clay Chism, investigator with the Callaway County Sheriff's Office.
The fire started in the kitchen after cooking was left unattended. Chism said when Walker went back to the kitchen after some time, he discovered the fire and alerted his two preteen children to leave their home.
The children then fled to a neighbor's home and the neighbor called 911 to report the fire and alert emergency personnel that Walker may still be inside.
The neighbor and an adult female family member, who was returning home, went to the residence, found Walker unconscious at the front door and pulled him a short distance from the burning home, Chism said.
Fire and EMS personnel attempted to resuscitate Walker, but he was pronounced dead at 11:31 p.m.
The Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office will conduct further investigation, but the Callaway County Sheriff's Office reported foul play is not suspected.
SERVE and the American Red Cross are assisting the family following the tragedy. Three children, ages 10, 12 and 13, and an adult who survived the fire are staying with relatives, according to the Red Cross.
Clothing and shoe donations are being taken at New Bloomfield Elementary School. For more information on donating, call the school at (573) 491-3700.