Former Lilly chemist killed in fire

WESTFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - Firefighters said a Westfield man was killed in a house fire Friday afternoon.

An off-duty firefighter first noticed the fire at 15887 Gray Road just north of 146th Street around 1:30 p.m. They said the victim, 82-year-old Raymond Ovelgonne, lived by himself.

When firefighters arrived they found a lot of debris inside the home. In fact, there was a path from the front of the house to the back, lined with stacks of newspapers, magazines and boxes. Firefighters said they eventually found Ovelgonne in the kitchen in the back of the house. They believe he died from smoke inhalation. Firefighters said it took about 30 minutes for them to find Ovelgonne and put the fire out because of all the debris in the house.

"Once they located the fire, they realized it spread to the second floor," described Deputy Chief Jason Lemons of the Westfield Fire Department.

Firefighters said Ovelgonne did call for help, but he dialed zero and talked to the operator. The operator then called 911 and sent firefighters to his house.

Ovelgonne is a former chemist with Eli Lilly. He lived in the house for over 50 years.

Close friend Harold Schershel described Ovelgonne as "Just a good hearted old fellow."

Scherschel said Ovelgonne got caught up in collecting the books and magazines that filled his home. Friends said that's just what he liked to do.

"He's got a complete collection, all in mint condition of these magazines. He just valued things like that," said Scherschel.

Fire investigators said a fire was burning in the fire place when the chimney flue fell apart. That's when the fire spread and smoke quickly filled the house.