Clearfield man discovered in fire died from gunshot wounds, police say

CLEARFIELD — A man found in his burned mobile home Thursday died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said.

Frank R. Lopez, 60, used gasoline to start the fire in his home before shooting himself twice in the stomach with a small-caliber handgun, according to Clearfield Assistant Police Chief Mike Stenquist.

The North Davis Fire District was called to a house fire at 1285 W. 500 North #157 just before 8 p.m. After extinguishing the blaze, firefighters found an unresponsive Lopez alone inside. They removed him from the home and along with Davis County paramedics began lifesaving efforts.

An ambulance took Lopez to a softball field at Steed Park, where a medical helicopter waited to transport him to the hospital. He died before being lifted into the chopper, Stenquist said. His body was taken to the state medical examiner's office to determine the cause of death.

Lopez, a longtime Clearfield resident, lived in the home with his wife. She was at work at the time of the fire, Stenquist said. The mobile home appears to be a total loss due to extensive damage, according to fire officials.

— Dennis Romboy