DEATH INVESTIGATION
11/20/2023
Marion County 911 received a 911 call at 8:16P on 11/18/23 from a concerned neighbor reporting an out-of-control fire at some property adjacent to State Highway SH 202 in the Oakland community. The fire consumed some outbuildings as well as several acres surrounding the buildings. Attempts to locate and contact the property owner were unsuccessful, although first responders had reason to believe the property owner had been on the property.
Due to inclement weather conditions Saturday night, a search was planned for Sunday morning 11/19/23. The Oakland Volunteer Fire Department responded again at approximately 7:00A on Sunday, 11/19/23, due to a fire flare up and subsequently located the body of an unidentified male just north of the residence located on the property.
Sheriff's Department personnel responded and conducted their investigation at the scene and then requested the Marion County Coroner's Office respond to recover the body from the scene. The body will be submitted to the Medical Examiner's Section of the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for positive identification and to determine the cause and manner of death. Agencies responding to the scene included the Oakland/Promise Land Volunteer Fire Department and the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
Gregg L. Alexander, Sheriff