N.J. man, 50, found dead in home after fire

A Gloucester City man was found dead yesterday in his Yale Avenue home, apparently as a result of smoke inhalation from an earlier fire, according to a spokesman for the Camden County Prosecutor's Office.

Charles Hagen Sr., 50, was found in his bedroom on the second floor of his residence. A relative who went to the home to check on Hagen called police a little after 5 p.m. after looking through a window and noticing soot on the curtains.

Investigators believe the fire was accidental and started in the basement within the last 24 hours. It had been extinguished by the time officers entered the residence. There were no signs of foul play, officials said. An autopsy is scheduled for today. - Rita Giordano