West Belmar Man Dies In Fire

A man who was removed from his burning West Belmar home Saturday afternoon has died, police said.

Michael Atamantyk, 64, was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune by Wall First Aid. He was prounounced dead at the hospital, Sgt. Patrick Connor said.

Crews arrived at the home on the corner of L Street and 17th in the West Belmar section around 4:15 p.m. but were unable to enter the home due to the thick smoke, Connor said.

Wall Fire Department removed the man from the burning home, Connor said. Neighbors said the man was in his 70s and lived alone.

A phalanx of fire crews, police and first responders surrounded the green ranch home at 1116 17th St. as flames jutted out the sides and smoke poured through the roof.

"I came out and I saw some flames coming out the sides,'' said neighbor Ed Madigan. "The house is gone.''

Madigan, who could not remember his neighbor's full name, said he frequently will check on the man. Lately, Madigan said, the man had not answered the door as often.

Patrolman Ed Lister and Detective Michael Steitz are investigating along with the Monmouth County Fire Marshal, Wall Fire Prevention, and Monmouth County Prosecutors Office, Connor said.

The Glendola Fire Department, South Wall Fire Department, Wall Community First Aid Squad also responded.