The physique of a “vibrant and spirited” grandmother was present in a burning clothes donation bin in upstate New York final week, authorities mentioned.
An officer on routine patrol seen the blaze in a donation bin in Glen Falls, about 50 miles north of Albany, round 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Glen Falls Police Division mentioned in a press release.
Firefighters responded to extinguish the flames however shockingly discovered the physique of Michelle McFarren, 43, contained in the bin, cops mentioned.
She was recognized after a forensic post-mortem, which dominated her explanation for demise to be “fire-related injuries,” in response to police.
Funeral preparations have been made for McFarren, whose giant crew of household and mates have described her as a “vibrant and spirited individual who lived life with a joy and energy that touched everyone she met,” in response to her obituary.
She is from the Glen Falls space, police mentioned, although her obituary notes she additionally has ties to Bennington, Vt.
McFarren additionally attended Salem Washington Academy in Salem, New York, her obituary famous.
“She was known as the life of the party, always ready to share a laugh, dance, sing, or indulge in a shopping spree. Her presence was magnetic, and she could always be counted on to bring warmth, fun, and light into any room,” it added.
McFarren is survived by her mom and 4 kids, two grandchildren and one soon-to-be-born grandchild. She can also be survived by her former husband and 5 siblings.
Although the precise circumstances round her demise haven’t but been confirmed, Glen Falls Mayor William Collins mentioned McFarren might have sought refuge within the clothes field from the skin components.
“A human being and member of our community lose her life in a clothing donation bin in which she may have sought refuge from a cold rainy night,” Collins mentioned in a press release Friday.
“This is a stark reminder for our community that, even while Glen Falls has extraordinarily strong services for people who are unhoused and/or in emotional distress and while our police officers keep an eye out day and night for people who are in danger, a precious life was lost in very troubling circumstances,” he mentioned.
Authorities are investigating two 911 calls made out of the realm within the hours earlier than the hearth, in response to CBS 6.
Additionally they requested the general public to come back ahead with details about McFarren’s whereabouts between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. on March 5, police mentioned.
