Lorin Fischer, 28, was found Monday, March 9 near Spruces campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon, about 45 minutes southeast of Salt Lake City. Both Fischer and his vehicle were burned extensively, though no accelerant was found at the scene. Investigators believe the fire occurred between 8 p.m. Sunday and 8:45 a.m. Monday.
While cause of death is still officially undetermined, investigators have hinted they’re leaning toward suicide, a conclusion Fischer’s family rejects.
The Fischers admit their son once had a drug problem, but insist he kicked the habit months ago and was making plans for his future.
Less than two weeks later, on Friday, March 20, another young man was discovered burned to death in a car. Like Fischer, Greg Nelson, 35, was found alone in a remote area, this time in Saltair, near the Great Salt Lake. Deputies were called to a frontage road off Interstate 80 about 10 p.m. where they found a burning 2001 Malibu Chevy with a body inside. Sources say Nelson was found in the back seat; two propane tanks, with the valves removed, were nearby.
Interestingly, Fischer was also found in the passenger seat. Another similarity: both men had their car windows rolled down, despite the cold night air.
Investigators haven't classified Nelson's cause of death, but, as in Fischer's case, his family doesn’t believe he committed suicide.
Greg Nelson
A little less than two weeks later, a third man was found in a burning car in a remote area. On Thursday, April 2 a rancher spotted a red Kia sport utility vehicle in flames near Zion National Park in southern Utah. The car was traced to Zachary Ruble, 19, an honor student attending the University of Utah on an academic scholarship. Ruble, a freshman majoring in bioengineering, was an Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman. He’d been known to visit the park to hike, climb and take photos.
Zach Ruble
Zach Ruble
All indications are that Ruble was a happy, well-adjusted young man with no behavioral red flags.
Officials are still investigating and haven't yet ruled Ruble's death a homicide, suicide or accident, but they maintain there’s no obvious links or evidence of murder in the three cases.
One statistic is startling: from 1999 to 2007, there were less than 5 suicides by fires set in cars in the state of Utah. Three cases in 25 days seem like a noteworthy, and perhaps inconceivable, jump.
For now, the families wait anxiously as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
However, this week will likely have everyone involved in the cases on edge. The three fires were each approximately 12 days apart; if the deaths are homicides, and there’s a pattern emerging, there may be another one by mid-week.
Officials are still investigating and haven't yet ruled Ruble's death a homicide, suicide or accident, but they maintain there’s no obvious links or evidence of murder in the three cases.
One statistic is startling: from 1999 to 2007, there were less than 5 suicides by fires set in cars in the state of Utah. Three cases in 25 days seem like a noteworthy, and perhaps inconceivable, jump.
For now, the families wait anxiously as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
However, this week will likely have everyone involved in the cases on edge. The three fires were each approximately 12 days apart; if the deaths are homicides, and there’s a pattern emerging, there may be another one by mid-week.
