67-Year-Old Homeless Man Was Killed Thursday Evening In Atlantic City Central Pier Fire
Saturday, April 20, 2024, 1:30 P.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ.- An Atlantic City Central Pier Boardwalk fire that broke out Thursday evening in a homeless encampment has left a 67-year-old homeless man dead and multiple businesses damaged.
According to Atlantic County Prosecutor William E. Reynolds, on Thursday, April 18, 2024, shortly around 7:00 p.m., members of the Atlantic City Police Department and the Atlantic City Fire Department to a report of a fire in the area of 1400 Boardwalk and Tennessee Avenue in Atlantic City.
Upon arrival, First Responders discovered a fully involved fire that began with a campfire in a homeless encampment under the Boardwalk, that quickly spread upward damaging the structure and the arcade above triggering City Officials to activate additional fire units to respond.
During fire suppression, Firefighters discovered the body of Bruce Eder, 67, who last resided in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Mr. Eder was pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr. Eder appeared to have been sleeping. The official cause of death is pending findings of the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
The preliminary investigation has determined that the cause of the fire was an open flame to combustible materials. Authorities have determined that although the fire was intentionally set, it does not appear to be criminal in nature.
