The Mercyhurst University Anthropology Department is assisting investigators in a tragic fire over the weekend on Peach Street in Waterford.
It happened around 4 a.m. Saturday.
One person died after the destruction of the multi-unit building, which is extensive.
The house collapsed into the basement during the firefight, and that’s when firefighters spotted a body among the embers.
Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook stated that the Mercyhurst University Anthropology Department assisted his office in making a positive ID of the male fire victim. Joseph Gradler, 45-years-old lost his life in the fire on Saturday. Cause of death is still unknown at this time pending toxicology report.
There is no word yet on what sparked the deadly fire.