METHUEN — A badly burned 42-year-old Cross Street man was found dead behind his home this weekend after what appears to be an accident near a campfire, police said.
Stephen Mills' body was found by his father behind their 168 Cross St. home around 9 yesterday morning. He was declared dead at the scene by police and the Methuen Fire Department, police said.
Mills had gathered with friends and relatives around a campfire behind his home sometime late Saturday or early Sunday morning. Everyone else went inside or home but Mills told a friend he was going to stay outside alone, police said.
Mills' body, covered in extensive burns, was about 25 feet away from the campfire when he was found Sunday morning, police said.
Alcohol may have been a factor in his death, police said.
Mills' home is located near the intersection of Hampshire Road near the Salem, N.H., town line.
While believed to be an accident, Mills' death remains under investigation by Methuen detectives and state troopers assigned to District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office.
Mills' family declined comment last night.
ÔÇæÔÇæÔÇæ
Join the discussion. To comment on stories and see what others are saying, log on to eagletribune.com.
