A house fire in Desha County Friday night left one man dead, according to the Desha County Sheriff’s Office.
Desha County Central Dispatch received multiple 911 calls at 8:13 p.m. reporting a fire at 203 East Third Street in Reed, with reports that residents might still be inside. Firefighters from both the Tillar and McGehee Fire Departments, along with deputies from the Desha County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the scene.
Authorities said two people were inside the home when the fire broke out. One person managed to escape, but the second individual was unaccounted for.
After firefighters extinguished the blaze, crews from the McGehee Fire Department and sheriff’s deputies remained on scene overnight, searching through the rubble.
At 6:16 a.m. Saturday, responders located the remains of 50-year-old Alvin Larkin Jr., who lived at the residence. Family members were notified.
Sheriff Mitch Grant said foul play is not suspected in the case.
“We are very appreciative to the McGehee Fire Department for their diligent efforts to locate Mr. Larkin inside the charred structure, to give the family closure, during this tragic event,” Grant said. “Please lift this family up in your prayers.”
