Madrid fire victim identified as man, 26, from Mexico

MADRID — The migrant farmworker who died in a fire on a Madrid dairy farm last month was identified as Mario Antonio Martinez.

St. Lawrence County Coroner James M. Sienkiewycz said Wednesday that arrangements are being made to return the 26-year-old to his home in Mexico.

"I'm happy we were able to identify him and find his family so he can be returned to them to begin the grieving process," Mr. Sienkiewycz said.

His identity was confirmed by family members in Mexico who were shown a photograph of Mr. Martinez, who came from Tlacolulan, Veracruz. State police assisted in helping to locate the family, Mr. Sienkiewycz said.

An autopsy found that Mr. Martinez died from smoke inhalation. Mr. Sienkiewycz ruled the death was accidental.

Three others were injured in the Feb. 24 fire in a manufactured home at Mapleview Dairy, 307 Jones Road. The blaze, which spread rapidly, started from food left cooking unattended, fire officials said.

Firefighters discovered Mr. Martinez's body in a bedroom.