Elderly man dies after catching on fire while smoking cigar | News

SIKESTON, MO (KFVS)- A 97-year-old Sikeston man caught himself on fire while smoking a cigar and later died Tuesday, according to the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

It happened in the 700 block of North Kingshighway in Sikeston.

A family member told officers her 97-year-old man had caught himself on
fire while smoking a cigar. 

According to Sikeston DPS Capt. Jim McMillen, when officers arrived, they found the 97-year-old man inside
the home with severe burns. 

Police say apparently a family member was able to extinguish the flames
with a towel.  The man was taken to
an Cape Girardeau area hospital for his burns.  He was later taken to a St. Louis hospital, where he died from his injuries.

A family member told officers that Yount had frequently
fallen asleep while smoking. 

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