On Thursday November 09, 2023, at approximately 8:15 AM, a residential structure fire was reported to 9-1-1 on Laurie Court near the intersection of Paladini Road, Novato. Two of the three occupants were able to escape the residence but regrettably a third occupant was unable to flee the residence and perished in the fire. 

The decedent has been positively identified as:                                    

Blake Andrew Collins, a 39-year-old male from Novato, CA.

A forensic postmortem examination with routine toxicology has been completed.  The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the Novato Police Department, Novato Fire Department, and the Marin County Sheriff’s Office - Coroner Division.  No further information will be released by the Coroner Division at this time, as this is an active and ongoing investigation.  Any further questions regarding the incident should be directed to the Novato Police and Fire Departments.

The Marin County Sheriff’s Office and personnel of the Coroner Division offers our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Collins.

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

 415-473-6043