Elderly Gadsden Man Identified After New Year’s Eve House Fire; Investigation Ongoing

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News

GADSDEN, Ala. — An elderly Gadsden man has died following a house fire that occurred on New Year’s Eve, according to the Etowah County Coroner’s Office.

The victim has been identified as George E. Newsom, who was in his 80s. Firefighters with the Gadsden Fire Department responded to the residence located on Shahan Avenue in the Alabama City community shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, along with members of the Etowah County Arson Task Force.

“First-arriving units reported visible smoke from the structure,” said Gadsden Fire Battalion Chief Lecil Harrelson. “Firefighters made entry within minutes, located a victim inside the home, and were able to extinguish the fire quickly.”

Newsom was found in the front living room area of the house.

Rainbow City Fire Marshal Craig Hill said investigators are continuing to review evidence and noted that, at this stage, there is no indication of foul play. He added that further medical evaluation may be conducted.

“Upon further investigation, when we moved the body, it appeared the death may have resulted from natural causes,” Hill said. “We are seeking approval for an autopsy if necessary, but at this time the case remains in the hands of the coroner.”

Neighbors described Newsom as a kind and gentle presence in the community.

“He was very friendly to everybody,” said neighbor Annie Peters. “He’d sit on the porch most of the time and wave at people. He was the sweetest man on this block that we know of.”

Fire Marshal Hill stated that investigators will now review collected information to determine the official cause of the fire.

This marks the second fatal fire in Gadsden within a week. The first occurred on Christmas Day.

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