Elderly Man Dies in Algonquin Fire

An 84-year-old man, Patrick Shehan, died of smoke inhalation in a fire that started in his home on Iroquois Road late on New Year’s Day, authorities said.

The McHenry County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy Wednesday and ruled Sheahan’s death due to smoke inhalation, Deputy Coroner Paula Gallas said.

Fire broke out in Sheahan’s home, 4780 Iroquois Road, at 11:11 p.m. and a neighbor contacted Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District.

The single-story ranch style home was filled with smoke and fire was showing when firefighters arrived on the scene. Fire crews, including crews from neighboring communities, were able to contain the fire but Sheahan was trapped inside. Firefighters later found his body. A family dog also died.

The cause of the fire is being investigated. No fire department injuries were reported.