Reclusive Man, 75, Found Dead After House Fire
A 75-year-old man who reportedly lived as a recluse in a $1-million house overlooking the San Fernando Valley was found dead in his bedroom Wednesday morning after fire destroyed the dwelling, authorities said.
The cause of the 1 a.m. fire in the 15400 block of Briarwood Drive in Sherman Oaks was not known, but investigators were looking into the possibility that a portable electric heater may have started the blaze.
Los Angeles police described the victim, Nathan Rounds, as a “pack rat.” Stacks of newspapers, magazines and other belongings were piled throughout the house.
It took Los Angeles firefighters about 50 minutes to extinguish the blaze.
Police investigators were called to the scene when firefighters saw what appeared to be a bump-like injury on Rounds’ head. But investigators ruled out foul play in his death.
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