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Greene County Sheriff's Office investigating remains found in fire debris

William E. "Bill" Johnson, age 83, was the homeowner and only resident of the home. Johnson was last seen alive by his caregiver who left the residence around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, according to authorities.

Greene Co., Tenn. (WCYB) — The Greene County Sheriff's Department is investigating remains found in the debris of a double wide structure fire.

Greene County 911 received a call of a structure fire on Bright Hope Road on Dec. 8 around 2:30 p.m., according to officials. The caller stated the double wide structure had burned overnight and that the owner was possibly still inside.

Units from Caney Branch and Orebank Volunteer Fire Departments responded to find the structure completely on the ground and smoldering, according to authorities. The location of the residence being some distance from the roadway and surrounded by hills were factors in that no one reported the fire.

There were human remains found in the debris in what appeared to be a kitchen area, according to officials.

William E. “Bill” Johnson, age 83, was the homeowner and only resident of the home. Johnson was last seen alive by his caregiver who left the residence around 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 7, according to authorities.

Investigators with the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office and detectives with the Greene County Sheriff’s Department continue their investigation into the cause of the fire. The remains were sent to the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center for an autopsy and formal identification, according to officials.

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