Medical Examiner Identifies Man Who Died in Lake City House Fire

Lake City, MN (KROC-AM News)- The man who perished in a house fire in Lake City over the weekend has been identified. 

See Also: Emergency Sirens Inadvertently Activated in Rochester 

Firefighters responded to the burning home shortly before 7:00 Sunday morning. Lake City Fire Chief Dan Patterson said initial reports indicated people were trapped inside of the multi-family residence. 

Responding firefighters reported smoke and fire showing from all sides of the home and on the roofline. The roof on the front porch of the home had also begun to collapse. 

Read More: One Killed, One Injured in Lake City House Fire 

Patterson said firefighters rushed into the home’s second floor, which had begun to partially collapse. Crews found a young female on the second floor. 

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They evacuated her through an upstairs window and officials say she was taken to an ambulance crew. 

She was stabilized before being transported for definitive care. Her name has not been released, however her family says she is “recovering well” in a burn unit. 

Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner ID's Man Who Died in Lake City House Fire

The Southern Minnesota Regional Medical Examiner identified the man found dead in the home as Richard (RJ) Arruda. He was 45 years old and is the father of the girl who was rescued. 

A statement from Arruda's sister in-law, released through the Wabasha County Sheriff's Office, says in part "He sparkled and shined and I feel so fortunate to have been in his orbit. I will miss him so much."

The statement also says the family's dog died in the fire and that everything Arruda and his family owns is now gone.

No other injuries were reported. The cause of the deadly fire has not yet been determined. 

Crews remained at the scene of the fire for roughly seven hours on Sunday.