Northwest Alabama man dies after catching fire while smoking

By The Associated Press

TUSCUMBIA -- Officials say a Tuscumbia man died after catching fire while smoking outside his apartment.

Tuscumbia Police Assistant Chief Terry Sherron said 65-year-old Thomas Goodloe was outside smoking when his arm caught on fire. He then ran inside, where the couch caught on fire and then he ran back outside, the TimesDaily in Florence reports.

Neighbors said Goodloe was on fire when he came running back out of the apartment. Several neighbors and friends ran to him and put the fire out before firefighters arrived.

Goodloe was taken to the hospital with severe burns after the incident Friday evening and
he died from the injuries.

The fire and death are under investigation.