Wife’s death in Altoona house fire ruled accidental by coroner

ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — A house fire in March left an Altoona woman dead and her husband accused of killing her — six months later, the Blair County Coroner ruled the death accidental.

Coroner Ray Benton announced Thursday, Sept. 12, that the death of 45-year-old Marcy Laird, who died in a fire she was unable to escape from on March 28, was accidental.

In a news release, Benton said that his investigation was complete and he determined Laird had died from carbon monoxide poisoning from the inhalation of smoke and toxic gases within the home. The manner of death was ruled accidental, he added.

The fire happened on March 28 and on April 1, Altoona police confirmed they were joining the investigation with fire marshals. Marcy’s widower, Tommy, alleged that he was being accused of killing Marcy.

This video aired on April 2, 2024.

“Why the investigation is ongoing, is because I got accused of killing my wife” – Tommy Laird told WTAJ

According to court documents, no charges have ever been filed against Tommy Laird.

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