Paul Avery, Wife Sheila Die After 12:38 a.m. New Jersey House Fire

Q: What caused the mysterious blaze that killed a former Hollywood actor and his wife in their quiet New Jersey home?

The cause of the blaze has not been determined and remains under investigation. Authorities said New Jersey State Police responded just after 12:30 a.m. to the Averys’ home on Mohican Road in Blairstown Township, Warren County, and found the house fully engulfed. Paul Avery, a former actor known for work on *All My Children* and other productions, and his wife, Sheila Garry Avery, were pulled from the residence but did not survive. As of the latest public information, investigators have not released what sparked the fire or whether any specific factor—such as an electrical issue, heating equipment, or another source—was involved. Officials have only said the fatal fire is under active investigation. So, despite the mystery surrounding the blaze, the factual answer is that its cause has not yet been publicly identified.

3 articles · Updated · Deadline · Jun 19

Rescuers pulled Paul and Sheila Avery from their Mohican Road home after a blaze broke out shortly after 12:38 a.m. Tuesday, but both later died from their injuries.
Kyle Avery confirmed the deaths in a Facebook post, saying her parents "passed away early this morning" and thanking the Blairstown Fire Department for its efforts.
Lehigh Valley Live reported the couple had been trapped inside the house when New Jersey State Police and local firefighters arrived.
Paul Avery was known for playing Hughie in two 1980s episodes of "All My Children" and also appeared in 1978's "Superman," "Three's Company," "Soap" and "Tales from the Dark Side."