(( UPDATE )) The following information was provided by Lt. Tom Shaw of the Criminal Investigations Division: The Fargo Police Department has identified the deceased individual as Stephen Hanson, a 68-year-old male who was a Fargo resident. This incident is still under investigation. No additional information is available at this time.
The Fargo Fire Department was dispatched at 12:58 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, to a report of a vehicle fire in the 1200 block of 28th Avenue North. Upon arrival, fire crews located a vehicle on fire and found a person inside the vehicle. The individual, an adult male, was immediately removed from the vehicle and was determined to be deceased.
The fire was contained to the vehicle and extinguished shortly after fire crews arrived. The vehicle was a total loss.
The Fargo Fire Department and The Fargo Police Department are conducting a joint investigation into the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and FPD investigators are working to confirm the identity of the individual. The person’s name will not be released until after next of kin has been notified.
Based on initial observations on scene, the death does not appear to be suspicious. However, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.
This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time.