Man dies in Independence fire

An adult male was found deceased after a garage in Independence burned on New Year’s Eve. 

The Independence Police Department declined to release the name of the male pending further investigation, but said no foul play is suspected. A press release issued by the department said more information will be made available in the near future. 

According to the press release, the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a garage fire at 8:27 p.m. on Dec. 31. Fire departments from Independence, Arcadia and Whitehall responded to the blaze at 35543 6th Street in Independence to extinguish the fire. 

During the investigation of the fire, a deceased adult male was located in the structure. 

The incident is being investigated by the Independence Police Department, Independence Fire Department, Trempealeau County Coroner’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice State Fire Marshal’s office. The Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office and fire departments from Arcadia and Whitehall will also assist with the investigation.