CLEARWATER, Fla. — Clearwater police say a man found dead inside a burning car overnight Wednesday died by suicide.
After getting reports of a car fire, both police and Clearwater Fire & Rescue responded just before 2:30 a.m. on May 1 to the Edge Hotel on South Gulfview Boulevard in Clearwater Beach, authorities said.
When they arrived, fire crews went to the hotel's parking garage where they found a car on fire on the third floor. After firefighters put out the fire, a body was found inside the car.
After arson investigators looked into what happened, Clearwater police sent an update saying the man's death was an apparent suicide.
The man reportedly set the car on fire and then shot himself, police said. Authorities added that they don't believe the man was from the area.
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis is urged to reach out for help. You can contact the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 211 or call 911. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.