BRIDGEPORT, Conn. - Authorities have released a cause of death for the second firefighter who died battling a blaze in a Bridgeport apartment this summer.

Chief Brian Rooney tells The Connecticut Post that the medical examiner has determined that Lt. Steve Velasquez died of smoke inhalation and asphyxia.

Authorities had previously said that firefighter Michel Baik died from smoke inhalation complicated by a heart condition.

The veteran firefighters died while battling a blaze in an illegal third-floor apartment on July 24.

Both were wearing breathing apparatus.

The state fire marshal and the state Department of Labor continue to investigate.

___

Information from: Connecticut Post, http://www.connpost.com


Related

• Smoke Inhalation Blamed in Death of Bridgeport Firefighter
• Two Firefighters Die in Connecticut House Fire

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.