Name released of victim in Albert Lea house fire

Albert Lea Fire Rescue has identified the victim of an Aug. 13 house fire as Garth D. Conklyn. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office has determined that his death was accidental, caused by soot and smoke inhalation. Albert Lea firefighters and police responded to a fire at Conklyn’s home at 1712 Eberhart St. at 2:15 a.m. Saturday.

Upon arrival they learned from a neighbor that a person could be in the house. Fire crews searched the house and found Conklyn. Mayo Clinic Ambulance Service was on scene and transported him to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea, where he subsequently died.

Fire crews extinguished the fire, with damages estimated at $27,000.

The cause of the fire is undetermined.