A fire of unknown origin claimed the life of an Auburndale woman in her home early Sunday morning.
Joanne Brown, 63, was discovered on the second floor of the home she shared with her cousin, John Rebecchi, at 45-08 189 St. Fire officials believe she had been trying to call 911 when she perished.
Her cousin, who lived on the first floor, managed to escape and was taken to New York Hospital Queens in Flushing, where he was treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation and was then released.
It is believed that Brown moved in with her cousin several years ago.
The fire began at 4:40 a.m. and was under control in less than an hour. The FDNY is still investigating the cause of the blaze.
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