The victim was found on fire early Tuesday morning in a park across from Mercy Medical Center after fire officials were called to the scene for a report of a brush fire. When they got there, they discovered the body of a man who had apparently burned to death.
A hospital security guard first thought the bushes were on fire and then realized it was a person. There is speculation by officials that the victim may have been homeless."Unfortunately, a number of homeless people frequent the park during the day and during the night," said fire department spokesman Kevin Cartwright.Police arson detectives were called to investigate the scene, but it's now believed the victim started the fire himself -- possibly to stay warm. If so, this could be considered a cold-related death.Last month, health commissioner Dr. Peter Beilenson praised the city's Operation Code Blue for the fewest number of cold related deaths in a decade -- one homeless person this winter.On a Code Blue night, emergency shelter is provided for the homeless, typically when the temperature falls below 20 degrees. While Code Blue ended last month, the shelter wouldn't have been open Monday night because the temperature didn't fall below 30 degrees.The victim has not been identified and police continue their investigation.Stay with TheWBALChannel.com and 11 News for the latest news updates.
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Police, Fire Investigate Burned Man's Death
