The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Hancock County Sheriff Scott Bentzinger of Carthage, had the difficult task of reporting a fire Monday evening that took the life of his father, 63 year old Michael D. Bentzinger of Carthage.
Sheriff Bentzinger reported that the Carthage Fire Department was dispatched at 10:27 p.m. to a fire at the Bentzinger Home Supply Store at 557 Main St., a store where his father was living in the upstairs apartment.
The building was owned by Michael's parents, the Sheriff's grandparents and sustained major fire and water damage. The fire appears to have been caused by an LP heater.
The Hancock County Coroner, Illinois State Fire Marshall investigator, Illinois State Police CSI and the Carthage Fire Department are investigating and an autopsy was scheduled for November 18th (yesterday).
Also assisting at the scene were the Hamilton Fire Department, Those assisting the Carthage Fire Deptartment was the Hamilton Fire Department, the Keokuk, IA Fire Dept., the Hancock County Sheriff, the Hancock County Coroner, the Carthage Police Department, and the Hancock County EMS.