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’.
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.
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.’
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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