The victim in a Jan. 9 fire at the Hiway Inn motel in Fayetteville has been identified as Ronald Keith Davis, according to a police department news release on Friday (Jan. 17).
The 51–year-old man died of “acute smoke and soot inhalation” in the incident at 1140 N. College Ave., police said. The man’s body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab in Little Rock to determine his identify and cause of death, the release states. His driver’s license lists a home address in Shreveport, La., police said.
The Fayetteville Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the blaze, the news release states.
The fire was reported after cleaners opened the door to room No. 120 about 11:30 a.m., and smoke came pouring out, officials said. The initial investigation indicates the occupant might have fallen asleep while smoking in bed, police said.
Authorities did not immediately release the victim’s full name or age but said he was from out of town.
The fire was contained to one room, officials said. There were no other reported injuries.
