Found Deceased CO - Michael Leese, 58, a cabin that he lives in was destroyed by fire, Basalt, Eagle Co., 25 Mar 2023

[GuyfromCanada]

Media Release: 03.30.23 - Resident Remains Missing after Fire Destroys Cabin on Frying Pan Road

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office is still looking for Michael Kevin Leese, the resident of a cabin that was destroyed in a fire on Frying Pan Road on Sunday morning. He was last seen on Saturday, March 25, the day before the fire started, in Basalt, CO.

The investigation did not lead to the recovery of Leese and now the investigation into Leese’s whereabouts has shifted to an ongoing missing person case.

Investigators used their hands, small tools and a cadaver dog as they methodically dug through the wreckage of the cabin. With the amount of destruction, the official cause is unable to be determined. There is no evidence to suggest foul play.

At this time, Michael Kevin Leese has been entered into the National Crime Information Center as a missing person. He is 5’08”, weighs 140 pounds, has hazel eyes, and blond hair. If anyone knows of his whereabouts, please contact the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Unit at 970-328-8530.

If you would like to remain anonymous, contact the Eagle County Crime Stoppers at 970-328-7007, 1-800-972-TIPS, submit your tip online at www.p3tips.com, or send a mobile tip using the free ‘P3 Tips’ mobile app. If your tip leads to the arrest and indictment of any suspect involved, you could earn a CASH reward from the Eagle County Crime Stoppers.

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Man missing after cabin destroyed by fire in Eagle County

The Eagle County Sheriff's Office said Michael Leese was last seen Saturday in Basalt. On Sunday, the cabin he lived in on Frying Pan Road was destroyed in a fire.

www.9news.com

The Eagle County Sheriff’s Office is attempting to locate the man who rented a cabin that burned Sunday in the Frying Pan Valley after a search of the rubble failed to lead to a recovery of remains.

Leese, 58, was last seen on Saturday, March 25, the day before the fire.

No body found in burnt Frying Pan Valley cabin; investigators open missing person case

Eagle County Sheriff’s Office looking for Michael Kevin Leese, who had rented the cabin

www.aspendailynews.com

 

[MyJoey]

This is an odd case. The homes on Frying Pan Road are really expensive, it says he was renting. Was it a vacation rental or was he living in the cabin.

 

[MyJoey]

Fire destroys cabin in Frying Pan Valley, occupant unaccounted for

 

[TwinkieDefense]

March 31, 2023 article

Man classified as missing person after fire destroys cabin

Deputies in Eagle County are continuing to search for a man who went missing after a fire burned down his cabin.

kdvr.com

[…]

Now, Leese’s whereabouts have shifted to a missing person case. ECSO does not believe foul play is suspected.

[…]

ECSO said Leese has been entered into the National Crime Information Center as a missing person.

[…]

 

[Seni]

Michael's NAMUS page (added 4th April 2023):

Missing Person / NamUs #MP102110

View NamUs missing person case MP102110 for Michael Kevin Leese missing from Basalt, Colorado. Date of last contact: Mar 25, 2023. NCMEC case number: --.

namus.nij.ojp.gov

Circumstances of Disappearance
Michael was last seen on 03/25/2023 in the area of 7104 Frying Pan Rd, walking to his residence. On 03/26/2023, fire rescue authority and local deputies were dispatched to Michael's residence which was fully engulfed in flames. After an extensive search by hand and using a cadaver dog, no human remains were found in the fire debris. Michael had previously made statements about how the valley (Aspen Valley) had changed and seemed disgruntled by the overall cost of living and his rent being raised. Michael also made a statement to a neighbor about having friends in Florida and that maybe he would go there. Michael's last cell phone location was 3.5 miles to the east of 802 Cedar Dr, Basalt, CO on 03/25/23 and family has not seen or heard from him since.

 

[MyJoey]

Kind of makes me think he/ or someone either wanted him to disappear or be declared dead, wonder if there was insurance money.

 

[iulia]

Missing man’s body recovered, identified on Tuesday

Deceased’s rental cabin on Frying Pan Road destroyed by fire

www.aspendailynews.com

[...]
Eagle County Coroner Kara Bettis confirmed Tuesday evening the identification of Michael Kevin Leese, 58. The manner and cause of the death are under investigation, Bettis said.
[...]
Details were unavailable concerning when and where Leese’s body was located.

 

[NervousNellie]

Missing man’s body recovered, identified on Tuesday

Deceased’s rental cabin on Frying Pan Road destroyed by fire

www.aspendailynews.com

[...]
Eagle County Coroner Kara Bettis confirmed Tuesday evening the identification of Michael Kevin Leese, 58. The manner and cause of the death are under investigation, Bettis said.
[...]
Details were unavailable concerning when and where Leese’s body was located.

I know I don't have the best google skills, but I found it incredibly frustrating that I could only find this single article about this man's remains being located/identified. His brother's social media (FB) has the answers if anyone wants to search.