Police investigating death near fire in Gautier

GAUTIER, MS – On Thursday, August 10, 2023, at around 7:30 pm, the Gautier Fire Department and Police Department responded to a woods fire located in a wooded area between Dolphin Dr. and High School Rd.

A 36-year-old white male was found deceased, near where the fire occurred. Narcotics were found near the deceased male and the death might have been the result of an overdose. No foul play is suspected in the death at this time.

Official cause of death is pending an autopsy. Identification of the male is being held until the next of kin is notified.

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s office was notified, and they responded to the scene. They are investigating this incident along with the Gautier Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. This incident is still under investigation and updates will be released when available.

If anyone has information about this incident, please contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 228-497-2486 or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-877-787-5898.