Coroner identifies Kennewick woman, 65, who died inside her burned home

Officials have identified the 65-year-old woman who died this week in a fire at her Kennewick home.

Investigators used dental records to confirm that Kelleen Hecox was the person caught in the blaze at 228 N. Quincy Street Monday night, said Benton County Coroner Bill Leach.

The coroner is still waiting for blood tests before determining exactly what caused her death.

Fire investigators believe a combination of smoking and an oxygen tank used for medical purposes sparked the fire sometime before 6:15 p.m. that heavily damaged the living room, said Kennewick Fire Chief Chad Michael.

Hecox’s boyfriend arrived at the house just off Canal Drive shortly after the fire is believe to have started and called 911.

As firefighters were arriving, someone reported hearing an explosion inside the house.

Firefighters found Hecox in the living room and believe the blaze started around the couch, according to a news release from the fire chief.

This story was originally published December 1, 2021 at 6:11 PM.