By: Richard L. Smith
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, along with the Paterson Police Department and the Paterson Fire Department, responded to a fire in an abandoned building located at the intersection of Franklin Street and Mercer Street in Paterson.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., the Fatal Investigations Unit was notified of a potential fatality within the premises.
Upon extinguishing the blaze at 69 Mercer Street, firefighters made a grim discovery on the second floor of the structure: the body of a deceased individual.
The identity of the deceased is currently unknown, with confirmation pending further investigation by the Medical Examiner's Office.
Authorities have described the investigation into this incident as active and ongoing, with further details to be disclosed as they become available.
The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office has extended an appeal to the public for any information related to the incident, urging individuals to come forward and contact their tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or via email at tips@passaiccountynj.org.
The collaboration between law enforcement and fire departments underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.