Police say man found dead in Shawnee apartment fire died by suicide
A man found dead amid the damage of an apartment fire in Shawnee appears to have died by suicide, police said this week.
Firefighters responded around 7:30 p.m. March 28 to Pinegate West Apartments in the 6500 block of Barton Circle for a reported fire. Crews saw the fire coming from one unit and put it out before it spread to other units, Shawnee police said on Facebook.
As firefighters were putting out the blaze, they found a 31-year old man who was injured, and provided medical treatment to him outside the apartment. Paramedics pronounced the man dead at the scene.
A preliminary investigation shows that the man’s cause of death was suicide, Shawnee police said on social media Monday.
“Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set by the individual, who then took their own life,” the post reads. “... Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”
The official cause of the fire and the man’s death remain under investigation by Shawnee police and fire investigators.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, they can reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 for free and confidential support 24/7. Area residents can also reach the Johnson County Mental Health Center’s crisis line at 913-268-0156 for additional local mental health resources.
This story was originally published April 3, 2025 at 3:36 PM.
