Sutherland Resident Dies in Camper Fire

On September 29, 2021 at 1:30 a.m., Sutherland Fire Department and Deputies responded to 31599 West Park Road in Sutherland, NE. The location is a campground that has trailer houses and campers parked in it. Concerned citizens reported a camper engulfed in flames at the location. Upon arrival, neighbors informed Deputies and Fireman a male subject lived in the camper and was likely in it.

After putting out the fire, Deputies and Fireman found a body of a deceased person inside the camper. State Fire Marshal was called in to investigate the origin of the fire and preliminary investigation showed the most likely cause of the fire was a faulty appliance.

Deputies and Fireman removed the body and sent it to Central Nebraska Mortuary Services in Gibbon, NE. for Autopsy and Identification. The case remains under investigation.

UPDATE

Investigators continue to work the above case and an autopsy has been completed on the deceased.  Preliminary results showed the male individual died of Smoke Inhalation and the death is ruled accidental.   Investigators believe the deceased is sixty-three year old John Coyle of Sutherland, NE.  Mr. Coyle did own and live in the trailer.  Positive identification may take a few months based on laboratory results.   Investigation continues.