News Release Buffalo County Sheriff
Update Dec. 1, 2021 11:17 a.m.
The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office has identified the decadent 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 victim's last known whereabouts, cause of the 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.
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.
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Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of a 53-year-old Colorado man.
At approximately 3:10 AM on Nov. 23, 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 Nov. 24.
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.
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. At that 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