Bunnell, FL – An autopsy report shows the man found dead in a fire at a Bunnell home on Thanksgiving weekend likely committed suicide.
The preliminary autopsy report released by from the Flagler County Medical Examiner’s Office on Tuesday also verified the victim found in the burning home on 40 Kentucky Avenue Saturday night as 41-year-old Kevin Lee Clayton.
“The State Fire Marshal’s Office is still investigating how the fire was started,” said Flagler County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jim Troiano. “No foul play is suspected at this time in the investigation.”
Firefighters were called to the home around 8:45 PM Saturday after 2 young children living in the home went to a neighbor’s home for help.
“According to the caller, [the] children said their house was on fire and they could not wake up their father, who was still in the home,” Troiano added. “The neighbor responded to the home, but due to the strength of the fire and smoke, was not able to make entry.”
The home – along with a garage behind the house and a recreational vehicle – were on fire when firefighters arrived, according to Flagler County Fire Rescue Captain Richard Bennett.
“The flames appeared to have started in the back of the house,” Bennett added.
Firefighters from Flagler County, Bunnell and Palm Coast put out the flames, but not in time to save the home, according to Troiano.
“The home is considered to be a total loss,” Troiano added.
One of the firefighters suffered minor injuries and was transported to Florida Hospital Flagler for treatment.
The fire and investigation forced authorities to briefly shut off the power grid in that area, affecting around 1,000 homes.
Copyright 2015 Southern Stone Communications.