Mail Tribune News - Ruch truck driver, 32, died of smoke inhalation in house fire

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Ruch truck driver, 32, died of smoke inhalation in house fire The victim of a weekend house fire near Ruch was identified Monday as a 32-year-old truck driver who died of massive smoke inhalation. Scott Douglas Whiteley lived at 7208 Highway 238, where the fire broke out just before 10 p.m. Saturday. Investigators from the Oregon State Police and Applegate Fire District said the fire originated from a stovetop set at medium. The fire spread to a wall and then the ceiling, consuming the kitchen and a living area in what was a converted garage. Jackson County sheriff's deputy Tim Garr said that Whiteley was overcome by smoke and died of massive smoke inhalation, though Whiteley also suffered second-and third-degree burns on his head, face, neck and hands. The residence was shared by Whiteley's sister and her two daughters, who were not at home when the fire occurred. Funeral arrangements are pending at Abbey Funeral Home in Medford. Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA