BARTONVILLE, ILL. (AP) -- An 87-year-old central Illinois woman whose husband died in a Christmas Eve fire has also succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities say Shirley Byard was pronounced dead Wednesday night after spending two days in critical condition.
Her husband, 87-year-old Laverne George Byard, died less than an hour after a fire ravaged their Bartonville home on Monday afternoon.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate Laverne Byard died of smoke inhalation. His wife's autopsy is scheduled for Thursday.
The Bartonville fire and police departments, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the cause of the blaze.
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