The New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has identified the deceased man as Ian Bryant, 39, of Bradford. Bryant’s cause and manner of death are pending.

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.

INITIAL NEWS RELEASE
BRADFORD, N.H. – New Hampshire State Fire Marshal Sean P. Toomey, Bradford Fire & Rescue Chief Bryan Nowell, and Bradford Police Chief Ed Shaughnessy announce a joint investigation into the non-suspicious death of an adult male.

At 12:43 p.m. today, Dec. 26, 2024, the Bradford Police Department responded to 21 West Main Street for a reported person in crisis. Arriving officers encountered an adult male armed with a knife. Additional assistance was requested and law enforcement officers from the communities of Sutton, Warner, and Newbury, as well as members of the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office and the New Hampshire State Police, also responded. Various attempts were made to de-escalate the situation with the man but were ultimately unsuccessful.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., officers witnessed fire and smoke coming from the home, and assistance from Bradford Fire & Rescue was requested. As flames intensified and additional resources were needed, firefighters from Bow, Hillsboro, Hopkinton, Warner, Washington, Henniker, New London, Newbury, and Sutton were also dispatched to the scene.

After multiple hours, firefighters have fully extinguished the fire, and investigators at the scene have located the adult male deceased. The victim will be transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy to verify his identity and confirm his cause and manner of death.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the New Hampshire State Fire Marshal’s Office at (603) 223-4289 or fmo@dos.nh.gov.

State Fire Marshal Toomey reminds anyone struggling with a mental health crisis that help is available. Anyone can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 for free and confidential support for themselves, a friend or a loved one.

No further information is available at this time. Updates will be provided as appropriate.