LOS ANGELES (KRON) — A coroner’s investigation reveals that the PG&E shutoff did not cause the death of a Pollock Pines man who relied on oxygen.
Northern California fire officials say the man died about 12 minutes after Pacific Gas and Electric shut down power to the area as part of a massive effort to prevent fire.
El Dorado County Fire Chief Lloyd Ogan said Friday that fire personnel responded to a call in Pollock Pines that came in after 3:30 a.m. Wednesday.
He said crews arrived to find an unresponsive man in his 60s and were unable to revive him.
The man has since been identified as 67-year-old father Robert Mardis Sr.
An autopsy was completed Friday afternoon and determined the cause of death was severe coronary artery atherosclerosis.
The investigation into this death has concluded and this case is considered closed, according to the sheriff’s office.
“The power outage from the recent PSPS was not the cause of death,” the sheriff’s office said.