Victim of deadly fire identified

SPARTA — The identity of the victim of last Saturday’s fatal structure fire has been confirmed through dental records, early Tuesday morning by the Morris County Medical Examiner.

Robert A. Womack, 67, the homeowner, was killed in the early morning blaze that destroyed his Heighwood Trail residence.

Womack who lived alone in the home, was employed as a medical technologist for Samaritan Hospital in Suffern New York, according to the Sparta Police Department.

Womack who was never married, had no children and no living relatives other than an aunt who lives out of state, according to police.

The aunt was personally notified at the request of the Sparta Police Department by local law enforcement in her hometown late Sunday evening of the incident. Womack’s body was burned beyond recognition and needed his identity to be confirmed by dental records, according to police.

The aunt, who is expected to claim the body later this week, has not yet completed final arrangements.

Sparta Fireman, Lt. Anthony Riehl, 37, suffered second-degree burns on his shoulder and back while searching for victims in the burning home, is out of the hospital and recovering from his injuries.

The cause and origin of the fire has not yet been determined.

Members from the Sparta Police Department’s Detective Bureau, The Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, The Sussex County Fire Marshal and the New Jersey State Police are continuing their joint investigation.