RAYMOND — Investigators have determined that the man who perished in a residential fire in Raymond on Sept. 6 died by suicide. The incident unfolded at about 6:30 a.m. when a residential fire was reported on Ballentine Street in Raymond.

Firefighters from the Raymond Fire Department, South Bend Volunteer Fire Department and Pacific County Fire District No. 3 responded to the scene. Arriving units found smoke coming from a two-story residence.

Crews had difficulty entering the home through a front door and later determined it had been barricaded shut. Someone had also put in multiple screws from the inside to prevent access to the interior of the residence.

According to Raymond Police Chief Pat Matlock, the fire originated and was put out in a bedroom where a deceased male was discovered.

Investigators later discovered a firearm and found the man had a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head — and ruled the position he was found in and the firearm were consistent with a self-inflicted wound.

Sgt. Arlie Boggs led the investigation and learned the man had been experiencing severe mental illness, which is believed to have played a major role in the incident.

“After our investigation, we do not suspect foul play due to what was concluded from the scene,” Matlock said.