The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the decadent a Christopher L. McKitrick, age 53, formerly of Colorado Springs, CO.
Next-of-kin have been notified. An autopsy ordered by the Buffalo County Attorney’s Office was performed. At this time, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up victims last known whereabouts, cause of fire and subsequent burns.
The circumstances remain suspicious and foul play has not been ruled out.
Assisting the Sheriff’s Office in the investigation is the Kearney Police Department and NE State Fire Marshal Office.
At approximately 3:10 AM on Tuesday November 23, 2021 a grass fire was reported east of Kearney near the intersection of Coal Chute Rd 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 AM a medical unit call to transport a 53 year old man from Crossroad Shelter in Kearney to CHI-GSH for medical treatment for severe burn injuries.
The man was ultimately transferred to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln where he died on the early morning of Wednesday November 24, 2021.
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.
The Sheriff’s Office is 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.
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.
