Lancaster County authorities have ruled the death of a man found inside a burning pickup truck during an early-morning barn fire earlier this month a suicide.
According to the Lancaster County Coroner's Office, the victim has been identified as Brian Spohn, 65, of West Hempfield Township. Spohn's remains were found inside the cab of a pickup truck after the blaze was brought under control.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday (March 13) on the 2100 block of Junction Road, near Landisville Road, in East Hempfield Township. Police said a passerby reported a pickup truck burning next to a barn at around 3:41 a.m. The fire spread to the nearby barn before crews arrived, and it took firefighters more than three hours to bring the blaze under control. Roads in the area were shut down for an extended period due to the number of emergency vehicles needed at the scene.
The coroner's office said Spohn died from smoke inhalation and thermal burns, and ruled the manner of death a suicide. The barn and pickup truck both sustained severe fire damage.
A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal and the coroner's office investigated the scene after the fire was extinguished and human remains were discovered inside the vehicle.
Anyone who needs to talk can call 800-273-8255 no matter the time of day. Additional crisis resources are also available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by chatting online at 988lifeline.org.