, IN (WTVB) - The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office has been assisting the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office with the investigation of a fatal house fire that occurred Monday afternoon at a residence on Growth Parkway just outside of the Angola city limits in Pleasant Township. 

The blaze claimed the life of 81 year old Herbert Sanders.  Preliminary autopsy results indicated that Sanders died as a result of smoke inhalation. Sheriff Tim Troyer said today that there was no indication of any trauma to the body and the death investigation has ruled out the possibility of foul play.  The Fire Marshal’s preliminary investigation indicated that the fire was accidental in nature, although no information was released on the exact cause of the blaze.