Police identify man found dead in burning van
DERRICK PERKINS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 months AGO
Emergency responders from Kalispell Police Department investigate the scene of a fatal vehicle fire in the Homewood Suites by Hilton hotel parking lot on Tuesday, Aug. 19. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)
Casey Kreider
NEWS EDITOR Derrick Perkins serves as News Editor at the Daily Inter Lake. He oversees daily news coverage and works closely with reporters to plan, edit and publish stories across print and digital platforms. Perkins helps coordinate coverage of local government, public safety, business and community developments throughout Northwest Montana. He works with the reporting staff to strengthen journalism while maintaining consistent daily coverage. His role helps ensure the newsroom delivers timely, accurate reporting that readers rely on. IMPACT: Derrick’s work keeps readers informed about the decisions and events shaping their communities every day. | August 22, 2025 12:00 AM
Kalispell Police officials on Thursday identified the dead man found inside a burning vehicle in North Kalispell on Aug. 18 as 60-year-old Darrin Turner of Ohio.
Turner's death does not appear to be linked to foul play, officials said. The circumstances surrounding the fire, including how it began, remain under investigation, they said.
First responders discovered Turner's body after responding to a vehicle fire outside of Homewood Suites Hotel in North Kalispell about 9:17 p.m. The blaze began in a white Chevrolet van and later spread to two unoccupied cars nearby.
All of the vehicles were parked at the outermost edge of the lot along Hutton Ranch Road.
News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or [email protected].
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