Body found on Salem Avenue in Dayton during building demolition after fire

A commercial structure at the site was damaged by fire on Jan. 28 and was demolished earlier. The property, which was a two-story house, formerly housed PowerNet of Dayton.

The intensity of the fire and signs of imminent collapse prevented firefighters from searching the structure, said Brad French, deputy chief of the Dayton Fire Department.

After the fire was extinguished, an emergency demolition was ordered due to the extent of the damage and the risk of further collapse, he said.

Bladecutter's Demolition was in the process of removing debris from the site when crews found the body.

The report of a body found prompted officials from the Fire Department's Fire Investigation Unit, the Police Department's Homicide Unit and the Montgomery County Coroner's Office to respond .

The victim has not been identified. The incident and the victim's cause of death remain under investigation.

Gem City Market, located just south of the demolition site, posted a message on social media today saying it was aware of the body's discovery at the site.

The post states that police have confirmed that “this situation is not related to any incident that occurred at our store.”

The Gem City Market also wrote: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time. »