Brick Township House Fire Kills 85-Year-Old

A house fire that left a Brick Township 85-year-old clinging to life for hours before she died is under investigation by local police.

Authorities say that Marilyn Rohan was found collapsed on the floor of her home at 41 Baser Lane  about 9:45 PM Sunday, her clothes in flames.

According to police, Rohan managed to activate Medi-Alert just before being overcome. The device roused police as well as a neighbor, George Bates. Baser told police that he smothered the flames enveloping her with a blanket.

Rohan was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she clung to life through the night before dying today.

Preliminary findings indicate that the fire was accidental, but investigators are searching for the cause.

In addition to Brick Township police, responders included Brick and MONOC paramedics. the Laurelton Fire Company, and members of the Ocean County Sheriff's and Prosecutor's Offices.