Man dies in apparent stove accident

staff report

YOUNGSTOWN — A 46-year-old Taylor Avenue man died from an apparent explosion that occurred when he tried to light a cigarette on his stove, police said.

A friend who went to check on Benjamin J. Eicher at his South Side home around 5:40 p.m. Saturday found him lying on the floor near a recliner, reports show.

Patrolman Bill Ward said in his report that Eicher was burned on his face and body. The officer said he found a cigarette on the stove and a burnt cloth on the kitchen floor, indicating a possible explosion and flame in the kitchen.

Fire Captains Alvin Ware and Rich Russo were called to the scene and agreed that Eicher sustained an injury from an explosion when he attempted to light a cigarette on the stove.

No sign of criminal activity was discovered.

Eicher was last seen between 9 and 11 a.m. Saturday.

Eicher, who hadn’t been feeling well, didn’t follow a suggestion from friends and family to go to a hospital, police said. Because he stayed home, friends decided to check on him.

The cause of death will be determined by Mahoning County Coroner David M. Kennedy.