A mid-afternoon fire on Sunday, Oct. 11 in Oakdale resulted in the death of a 70-year-old woman.

Oakdale Police were called to the scene, in the 10 block of South Willowood Drive, shortly after 3 p.m., with a report of a fire in an apartment.

According to a press release issued by the police department, officers entered the apartment upon arrival on scene and located an unresponsive elderly female resident. The Modesto Fire Department responded to the scene and secured the apartment, allowing investigators to safely conduct their investigation.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the deceased resident was a heavy smoker who also utilized supplemental oxygen. With the assistance of the Modesto Fire Department’s Arson Investigation Unit and the Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office, OPD detectives believe the fire was accidental in nature.

The Stanislaus County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Sherry Comden, 70, of Oakdale.

The police investigation remains ongoing.