By: Richard L. Smith
A tragic incident unfolded in Millburn on Friday night, as a fire claimed the life of an elderly man in the 20s block of Willow Street.
Authorities reported that at approximately 9 p.m., police and firefighters received an emergency call and were dispatched to the scene.
Upon arrival, they discovered the elderly man outside the residence, suffering from severe burns.
Despite the efforts of medical personnel who administered CPR, their attempts to save him were unsuccessful.
Essex County Prosecutor's Office Spokesman Robert Florida identified the victim as Mr. Shigeru Takeuchi, 82, of Union.
Witnesses in the neighborhood reported seeing the man on fire and promptly dialed 911.
Some neighbors mentioned seeing the elderly Asian American man around the community and suspected he may have had dementia.
An investigation into the exact cause of the fire is underway, led by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office.