Woman in fire dies of smoke inhalation, thermal injuries

The 32-year-old woman killed in a Sunday house fire died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries, according to the Larimer County Coroner's Office. 

The medical examiner also ruled the death an accident. 

Rachel Max, the daughter of longtime CSU athletics administrator Doug Max, was the only person in the home at 4512 Idledale Drive at the time of the blaze. She was unable to escape through a second-story window.

Poudre Fire Authority firefighters responded to the residence shortly before 5 a.m. Sunday. The fire caused significant damage throughout the home, including on the basement and the roof, according to PFA. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

CSU’s athletic department has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Doug Max and his wife, Cindy, as they deal with funeral costs and funding repairs of the home. The Maxes own the home, and it is their residence.

The campaign had raised nearly $50,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.