On Thursday, March 09, 2023, at approximately 10:00 PM a residential structure fire was reported to 9-1-1 at 27 Midway Avenue, Mill Valley. Passersby’s observed smoke coming from the residence.  Firefighters and First Responders were immediately dispatched to the scene and determined the residence was actively on fire.  Firefighters forced their way into the residence and completed a search of the residence.  A female occupant was discovered inside unresponsive and unconscious.  She was extricated from the residence and determined to be in cardiopulmonary arrest.  Resuscitative medical aid was provided by paramedics, and she was emergently transported from the scene to an area hospital were sadly she succumbed to her injuries shortly after her arrival in the Emergency Department. 

The decedent’s identity remains presumptive at the time of this writing.  Her identification is pending positive identification confirmation via scientific comparison, which is in progress.  Regrettably, the subject sustained traumatic injuries consistent with having been exposed to smoke and heat, which has prevented her immediate identification.

A forensic postmortem examination with toxicology testing is being completed on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.  The cause and manner of death will be pending the conclusion of the investigations being completed by the Southern Marin Fire Department, Marin County Sheriff’s Office 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 Marin County Sheriff’s Office.

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

CONTACT

Roger G. Fielding

Chief Deputy Coroner

415-473-6043