Carthage Man Died of Heart Attack Before Fire

A preliminary autopsy reveals a Carthage man did not die as the result of a fire at his place of business Monday night.

Hancock County Coroner Kendall Beals reports 63 year old Michael Bentzinger had suffered a fatal heart attack before the fire broke out at Bentzinger Home Supply in Carthage about 10:30 p.m. Monday.

Officials say the fire was apparently caused by an LP heater in the rear of the building. Foul play is not suspected.

Michael Bentzinger is the father of Hancock County Sheriff Scott Bentzinger.