Death Investigation Launched In Muddy River Fire Death

The man found burned in the Muddy River last weekend while firefighters put out a brush fire has died, according to the Boston Fire Department, and police have now launched an investigation into his death. 

Firefighters had responded at 6 p.m. last Saturday evening for a report of a small fire along the river's walking trail,.

The man was badly burned, but rescued from the river and taken to Boston Medical Center for treatment, according to the department.

On Sunday night, the man, whom officials have not identified, passed away. 

“We wanted to ask him questions about the fire on Saturday, because he was obviously in the area and was a witness,” said Boston Fire Department spokesperson Steve MacDonald told the Boston Globe. 

Saturday's fire was the first in a string of three fires in the Fens/Muddy River area over the last week. A second fire on Tuesday lead to the arrest of an indvidual accused of setting his clothes on fire, and another brush fire started in the tall reeds of the Muddy River on Thursday night. The fires are under investigation. 

The lack of rain and dry conditions in the area have increased the chance of brush fires, officials said. 

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