PHOTOS: A man reported missing after his home caught fire and collapsed early Wednesday was found dead on Wednesday afternoon, officials confirmed to FOX 8 News. East Cleveland firefighters were called to the two-story home along the dead-end Bryn Mawr Road at about 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Fire Chief David Worley told reporters at a media briefing later that afternoon.
But by the time of the call, the fire had time to build. When firefighters arrived, โthe fire was aheadโ of them, Worley said. Firefighters on Wednesday afternoon sifted through the rubble of the home to find him, Worley said. East Cleveland Safety Director Mansell Baker said a โsearch and rescueโ dog was called to the scene. The manโs family members told authorities earlier Wednesday he was likely in the home, but it was unclear if he was inside when the fire broke out, Worley said. A family member identified the man as Leslie Hiller.
