The medical examiner has determined that the death of a Hartford firefighter killed while battling a massive blaze in the city's North End in October was accidental.
Kevin Bell, a 48-year-old husband, father and cousin of retired Fire Chief Charles Teale, died of asphyxia due to lack of breathing gas, according to the office of the chief state medical examiner. Cardiac hypertrophy is also listed as a contributing condition.
"We are grateful to the OCME for their diligence and pleased that the Bell family is beginning to get answers they deserve," Hartford Fire Chief Carlos Huertas said in a statement Thursday. "This is still an open and active investigation and there are still more questions that need to be answered."
Bell, a Hartford native and six-year-veteran of the department, responded to the two-alarm fire at 598 Blue Hills Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014 and died at Saint Francis Hospital after being pulled from the fire in cardiac arrest.
Bell, a member of Engine 16, was the first Hartford firefighter killed in the line of duty in 40 years.
In October, the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters learned that investigators were taking a close look at a “mayday” call that went unanswered during the fire and the fact that Bell was low on air before he went down.
In December, sources told the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters that investigators determined Bell was low on air before collapsing on the night of that fire.
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Following Bell's death and the unrelated arrests of several Hartford firefighters, Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra launched a task force to make recommendations for the department.
The task force, which includes an advisory group comprised of former fire chiefs, is reviewing the department command structure, examining department resources and equipment and leading the investigation into Bell's death.
A memorial fund has been set up in Bell's honor. To donate, visit the Hartford Firefighters Credit Union at 776 Maple Avenue in Hartford, or send donations to:
Kevin L. Bell Memorial Family Fund
C/O Hartford Firefighters Survivors' Fund
Farmington Bank
669 Hebron Avenue
Glastonbury, CT 06033
