By: Najla Alexander
Authorities in Atlantic County announced that on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at approximately 7:00 p.m., a fire was reported in the area 1400 Boardwalk and Tennessee Avenue in Atlantic City that took the life of Bruce Eder, 67, residing last in Atlantic City.
It appears that the origin of the fire started under the boardwalk, officials stated.
Officials said a small homeless encampment was observed in the area of the fire.
The fire spread upward, damaging the structure of the boardwalk and the arcade above, authorities say.
Officials say the victim appeared to be sleeping. The official cause of death is pending an autopsy.
According to officials, the cause of the fire appears to be an open flame to available combustibles.
A small campfire was set in the approximate area of the victim, officials said.
Officials stated that although the fire was intentionally set, it does not appear to be criminal in nature.