THIBODAUX, La. — Louisiana's State Fire Marshal's Office is investigating after firefighters discovered a woman's body while battling a house fire in Laforuche Parish on Saturday.
Authorities say the Thibodaux Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire in the 100 block of North 11th Street just before 5 p.m. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and flames in the rear on the right side of the home. Fire crews advanced into the structure and quickly extinguished the fire.
Firefighters then discovered the body of 65-year old Patricia Cooper Kennedy in a bed inside the home.
Fire investigators say witness testimony and evidence at the home suggests the fire started in the room where Kennedy's body was found.
"At this time, the cause of the fire remains undetermined with the inability to rule out unsafe smoking practices as a potential factor," the State Fire Marshal's Office said.
The fire and it's cause remains under investigation.
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