The search for the missing person believed to have been entrapped in his burning home at 0529 Hardin County Road 80 has concluded with the discovery of his body in the badly-burned structure, according to the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office.
The body of Hugh Ries, 65, was discovered at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Monday in a crawl space beneath rubble of the collapsed kitchen.
Hardin County 911 Dispatch received a report at 4:21 p.m. on Sunday of a fire and possible entrapment at the Alger address. Mr. Rise was the only person known to be at home at the time.
The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, the Hardin County Fire and Explosion Investigation Team along with Ohio BCI &I are assisting the Alger Fire Department in an on-going investigation.
The cause of the fire is undetermined and continues under investigation.
The Ada-Liberty Township fire and EMS was among units called to the blaze.
The investigation has also been aided by the Hardin County Crime Task Force, Ohio Highway Patrol aircraft, Hardin County coroner’s office, Hardin County Sheriff’s volunteers in Police Service and Osborn’s Towing.
