Carole Carlson / Post-Tribune
The charred remains of a New Chicago house sit Thursday a day after a blaze erupted that killed a woman. Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire. 
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The woman who died in a New Chicago house fire Nov. 23 has been identified by the Lake County coroner’s office as Geraldine Hook, 70.
Hook, who was identified by a forensic odonatologist, lived in the home at 601 E. 29th Ave. The fire was listed as the cause of death.
The state fire marshal’s office is investigating the fire, which may have been triggered by a natural gas leak, according to neighbors.
Firefighters found Hook’s body in the house, which was a total loss. Neighbors told news outlets the house had exploded.
New Chicago, Lake Station and Hobart firefighters battled the blaze for several hours. A neighboring house east of the structure was saved by firefighters, but its siding still was melted.
