Grandma’s body found burning in clothing donation bin

Michelle McFarren (right) was discovered dead inside a burning clothes and shoes drop box in Glens Falls, New York (Pictures: Gariepy Funeral Homes/NBC 5)

A grandmother was found burned to death inside a clothing donation bin.

The body of Michelle McFarren, 43, was discovered by firefighters who responded to the blaze around 2.30am on Thursday in Glens Falls in upstate New York.

Her autopsy revealed that her cause of death was fire-related, and an investigation is underway.

In a letter to neighbors on Friday, Glens Falls Mayor S William Collins wrote that ‘a human being and member of our community lost her life in a fire in a clothing donation bin in which she may have sought refuge from a cold rainy night’.

?Vibrant and spirited? grandmother, 43, found dead inside burning clothing donation bin in upstate NY The body of a ?vibrant and spirited? grandmother was found in a burning clothing donation bin in upstate New York last week, authorities said. An officer on routine patrol noticed the blaze in a donation bin in Glen Falls, about 50 miles north of Albany, around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Glen Falls Police Department said in a statement. Firefighters responded to extinguish the flames but shockingly found the body of Michelle McFarren, 43, inside the bin, cops said.
Firefighters responded to extinguish the flames in the clothing donation bin but found the body of Michelle McFarren inside (Picture: NBC 5)

McFarren’s obituary described her as ‘a vibrant and spirited individual who lived life with a joy and energy that touched everyone she met’.

‘She was known as the life of the party, always ready to share a laugh, dance, sing, or indulge in a shopping spree,’ it states.

‘Her presence was magnetic, and she could always be counted on to bring warmth, fun, and light into any room.’

It is not immediately known why the Glens Falls woman was in the clothing bin and where her family members were at the time.

?Vibrant and spirited? grandmother, 43, found dead inside burning clothing donation bin in upstate NY The body of a ?vibrant and spirited? grandmother was found in a burning clothing donation bin in upstate New York last week, authorities said. An officer on routine patrol noticed the blaze in a donation bin in Glen Falls, about 50 miles north of Albany, around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Glen Falls Police Department said in a statement. Firefighters responded to extinguish the flames but shockingly found the body of Michelle McFarren, 43, inside the bin, cops said.
Michelle McFarren died of fire-related injuries (Picture: Gariepy Funeral Homes)

She is survived by three children, three grandchildren, her mother, ex-husband, and five siblings.

McFarren was born in Bennington, Vermont, and went to Salem Washington Academy.

‘Whether she was dancing, singing, or simply enjoying music, she found peace and happiness in the rhythm of life,’ reads her obituary.

‘Her laughter, kindness, and loving nature will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.’

?Vibrant and spirited? grandmother, 43, found dead inside burning clothing donation bin in upstate NY The body of a ?vibrant and spirited? grandmother was found in a burning clothing donation bin in upstate New York last week, authorities said. An officer on routine patrol noticed the blaze in a donation bin in Glen Falls, about 50 miles north of Albany, around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, the Glen Falls Police Department said in a statement. Firefighters responded to extinguish the flames but shockingly found the body of Michelle McFarren, 43, inside the bin, cops said.
An officer on routine patrol noticed the blaze in a donation bin in Glens Falls on Thursday (Picture: NBC 5)

Her family is holding private funeral services.

The mayor expressed condolences to the family and urged community members to report any individuals in distress to the police.

‘This is a stark reminder for our community that, even while Glens Falls has extraordinarily strong services for people who are unhoused and/or in emotional distress and while our police officers keep an eye out day and night for people who are in danger,’ Collins wrote, ‘A precious life was lost in very troubling circumstances.’

Glens Falls is about 50 miles north of Albany.

McFarren’s remains were found more than two years after a ‘virtually mummified’ body was discovered in a clothing donation bin off a South Carolina highway.

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