CLAYPOOL – A former Warsaw Community Schools teacher was killed in an accidental house fire Saturday morning in Claypool. According to a press release from Public Information Officer Sgt. Chad Hill, the victim was identified as John D. Etchison, 46, of 8678 S. Valentine Road, Claypool. Fort Wayne Forensic Odontologist Dr. Craig Nelson identified Etchison Sunday through the use of dental comparisons. Kosciusko County Coroner Anthony Ciriello advised an autopsy has been performed, but the results have not been released pending laboratory results. Fire crews from the Burket/Seward Fire Township Department responded to a report of a residential house fire near Yellow Creek Lake at approximately 2:57 a.m. Saturday. When firemen arrived to the 8600 block of South Valentine Road, Claypool, they found the structure fully engulfed in flames. They began an exterior battle of the fire and were able to gain control. During an investigation, firemen subsequently located the burnt remains of an individual inside the dwelling. Ciriello advised the human remains were removed and transported to the Northeast Indiana Forensic Center for a formal autopsy. Ciriello also stated the preliminary investigation by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has been completed and determine that the fire appears to have been accidental in nature. According to the Warsaw Education Foundation website, Etchison had been a teacher at Edgewood Middle School and had received an award as a 2014 Honored Educator. Etchison also coached football and basketball in the WCS district. Funeral arrangements are pending at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw.
