AFTER FRIDAY FIRE KILLS BROTHER, CAPE MAN IN CRITICAL CONDITION

A Cape Girardeau man who attempted to save his brother from a fire that proved fatal on Friday was reported in critical condition at a St. Louis area hospital on Saturday.

Robert Lee Payne was taken to St. John's Mercy Medical Center, where he was in critical condition in the hospital's burn unit.

Payne had attempted to save his brother, Harold Gene Payne, from a fire that was reported at 11:45 a.m. on Friday at 333 N. Fountain St.

Harold Payne, who used a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, was unable to escape.

Robert Payne suffered smoke inhalation and burns to his face and arms, while his brother reportedly died of smoke inhalation in his bedroom. The brothers had lived together in the first floor of a two-story rental house.

Fire investigators said the blaze had likely been set off by a cigarette in the living room of the Paynes' apartment.

Funeral arrangements for Harold Payne have not yet been set.