Delaware State Police and the Delaware Office of the State Fire Marshal are investigating the discovery of a deceased male located during firefighting efforts in the Milford area on April 23, 2025. The incident occurred in the 3000 block of Big Stone Beach Road, where an outside fire was reported shortly after 1:00 p.m.
According to Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal John Galaska, firefighters from the South Bowers Volunteer Fire Company, assisted by mutual aid fire companies, arrived on scene to find a large outdoor fire spreading out of control into nearby woods behind a residence. While working to bring the fire under control, firefighters discovered a male body within the burned area. Requests for crime scene tape, police, paramedics, and a covering were made shortly before the fire was fully contained, confirming the presence of human remains.
Delaware Deputy State Fire Marshals conducted an origin and cause investigation, which remains ongoing. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The deceased was turned over to the Delaware Division of Forensic Science for identification and to establish the cause of death.
There were no other injuries reported in connection with the fire, and damage has been estimated at $250. Preliminary findings by Delaware State Police indicate there are no immediate signs of foul play.