Man found dead at scene of HazMat situation in Hyde Park

A man was found dead at the scene of a hazardous materials situation in a Hyde Park neighborhood apartment building early Wednesday on the South Side.

Paramedics responded about 2:30 a.m. to a report of a man unconscious and not breathing in a room in the three-story building in the 1200 block of East 53rd Street, Fire Media Affairs Chief Juan Hernandez said.

The 25-year-old, identified as Zackary D. Padove, was dead at the scene, according to Chicago Police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office. He lived on the same block. An autopsy Thursday did not rule on his cause and manner of death pending further investigation.

About 4:15 a.m., while police were investigating, they notified the fire department of a “funny smell” coming from inside the building, Hernandez said.

Fire officials upgraded the scene to a Level Two HazMat situation and at least six residents were evacuated from the building, he said.

The scene was secured about 10 a.m. and there was no environmental danger, according to Fire Media Affairs.

Area Central detectives are also investigating.