Would-Be Burglar Gets Stuck in Chimney, Perishes

A would-be burglar in Central California has died after getting stuck in the chimney of the house he was trying to rob.

According to 23 ABC News, the 19-year-old man got stuck in the chimney as he was trying to enter the home. The homeowner, unaware of the burglar, proceeded to light a fire in the fireplace. Upon hearing screams coming from the fireplace, he extinguished the fire but it was too late. Rescue workers smashed the chimney to get the man out, but he had already succumbed to burns and smoke inhalation.

The man had reportedly been in the chimney for about 24 hours by the time the homeowner got home and lit the fire. Apparently it's more difficult to slide down a chimney than Santa would lead us to believe.