Sheridan fire victim died from smoke, soot inhalation

Fire occurred at Harper’s Towing

Newark Fire and EMS along with La Salle County Sheriff deputies work the scene of a fire at Harpers Used Cars and Towing on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2025 in Sheridan. Here, the Illinois State Fire Marshal and La Salle County Sheiff deputies work the scene of the fire. — A 78-year-old man pronounced dead at the scene of a commercial fire Jan. 28 in Sheridan died from smoke and soot inhalation.

February 05, 2025 at 4:37 pm CST

A 78-year-old man pronounced dead at the scene of a commercial fire Jan. 28 in Sheridan died from smoke and soot inhalation.

The La Salle County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Donald B. Harper Jr. He died at a structure fire at Harper’s Towing, 2899 Route 52.

The incident is under further investigation by the La Salle County Coroner’s Office, the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.