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1 Dead In Garage-Apartment Fire In Gulfport

News Channel 8 photo by ERIC HAUSMANN

Robert Brand, 75, died early today after a fire started in his garage apartment.

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 28, 2008

Updated: 07/28/2008 03:21 pm

GULFPORT - A 75-year-old man was killed in a fire at his Gulfport home this morning Monday morning, and most likely died from smoke inhalation, authorities said.

The blaze that took the life of Robert Brand at his garage apartment at 2800 45th St. S. remained under investigation. Investigators do not think Brand's oxygen tank is to blame, said Lt. Robert Vincent of the Gulfport Police Department.

The fire, which was discovered about 12:25 a.m., appeared to be slow-burning, which is not a characteristic of a fire involving an oxygen tank, Vincent said.

Brand, who had numerous ailments, was known to smoke, Vincent said. The last person to see him alive was a home health care worker who hooked him up to his breathing apparatus about 6 p.m. Sunday evening, Vincent said.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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