After a thorough investigation into the fatal fire reported on Wednesday, Feb. 28 in
Big Rapids Township, it was determined the fire was intentionally set. Further, it has been determined the 69-year-old male, Keith Gale Totten, appeared to have died of natural causes prior to the fire being set. The 32-year-old male’s death was determined to be a suicide.

The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office would like to assure people there were
no other parties involved and there is no danger to the public.

The Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Michigan State Police Crime Lab (Grand Rapids), Big Rapids Township Fire, the City of Big Rapids Fire, Mecosta Township Fire, Morton Township Fire, the Mecosta-Osceola County Victim Services Unit, the Mecosta County Sheriff’s Office Posse, Mecosta County EMS and Meceola Central Dispatch and the Mid-Michigan Medical Examiner Group for the assistance provided throughout the investigation.