Suspicious death investigation underway in Buffalo County

KEARNEY, Neb. (KSNB) - The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a 53-year-old Colorado man.

According to the sheriff’s office, around 3:10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23, a grass fire was reported east of Kearney near the intersection of Coal Chute Road and Highway 10. The Kearney Volunteer Fire Department was called to the scene and discovered a small grass fire of unknown origin. Later that day shortly after 9 a.m., a medical unit call was called to transport a 53-year-old man from the Crossroad Shelter in Kearney to CHI Health Good Samaritan for treatment for severe burn injuries.

The sheriff’s office said the man was ultimately taken to CHI Health St. Elizabeth in Lincoln where he died early Wednesday.

The Buffalo County Attorney’s Office has ordered an autopsy. The circumstances related to the fire, burn victim and any other persons remain the focus of the investigation at this time.

Preliminary investigation indicates foul play may be involved.

Buffalo County authorities are asking the assistance of the public with any information they may have relating to this fire scene or location on the above date. Deputies were assisted by members of the Kearney Police Department, Kearney Volunteer Fire Department, Buffalo County Attorney’s Office, and Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office.

At this time, the identity of the victim has not been confirmed and no next of kin have been notified. The cause of the fire unknown.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office at 308-236-8555 or Kearney / Buffalo County Crime Stoppers at 308-237-3424.