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DNA tests identify body found in Gettysburg fire

Three months after a massive and deadly fire tore through a Gettysburg Borough apartment building in March, the fire victim was finally identified by authorities.

Donald Gardner, 62, a resident on the third floor of the building in the first block of West Middle Street, was identified through DNA testing, the Adams County coroner's office said.

Due to the condition of Gardner's body following the fire, Gardner's identification required the coroner's office to use DNA testing, which took several months and was assisted by family members of Gardner, Ohio, the office said.

Gardner's cause of death was inhalation of combustion products and thermal injuries, according to the coroner's office.

The morning of the fire, Gettysburg Fire Chief Ken Kime said the victim, now identified as Gardner, was found on the third floor.

When firefighters arrived around 2:45 a.m., they saw heavy fire coming from the third floor of the building.

During the fire, the building collapsed at the rear of the third-story wall, Kime said at the time.

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