ARMSTRONG COUNTY, Pa. — One person died Thursday night in a fire at an apartment complex in Rayburn Township off Route 85.
The fire was first reported at the Rayburn Manor Apartments just before 10:30 p.m.
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Authorities said 55-year-old Howard Hopper died.
"He would do anything for anybody, just a good guy," said Earl Pike, a friend of Hopper.
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Neighbors were not, however, aware of Hopper's criminal past. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 1995, Channel 11's Steven Fisher reported.
Channel 11 News learned that a total of eight people lived at the complex. Those who were able to escape the flames were forced to stay elsewhere Thursday night because there was no electricity at the complex.
The fire chief told Channel 11 News investigators believe the fire was accidental and began in a stove.
The resident who called for help told authorities she tried to put out the fire herself.
"My dog kept barking at the kitchen. I went to see what he was barking at and I saw smoke coming from the outlet and the vent, so I ran out and pulled the fire alarm," Virginia Di Maria said.
Investigators said Hopper died of smoke inhalation.
WPXI
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