Warren man rescued from fire last week has died

WARREN — Richard Brugler, an elderly Beechcrest Street Northwest Warren man who suffered smoke inhalation during a fire at his house last week, died Thursday at Akron Children’s Hospital in Akron.

Brugler and his wife, Jeanne, were first taken to ValleyCare Trumbull Memorial Hospital and then to the Akron hospital’s burn unit as a result of the Jan. 22 fire, which caused substantial damage to the home.

Neighbors noticed fire coming from the home at about 11:15 a.m. and found Richard on the back stoop, having escaped from the part of the house where firefighters believe the fire started in a first-floor rec room.

Fire Chief Ken Nussle said the assistance of the neighbors in calling 911 and identifying the exact location of Jeanne Brugler probably saved her life.

Capt. Bill Monrean said today that Jeanne Brugler’s condition continues to improve.