CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – A middle aged man was this morning (Apr. 13) discovered dead among the rubbles of his home which was totally destroyed by fire.

Dead is 50-year-old Jim Johnson of Brick Klin Village, Nevis.

According to Inspector Hilroy Brandy, Acting Head of the Nevis Division of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, between 1:30 and 2:00 a.m., police and a unit from the Fire and Rescue Services responded to a fire call in Brick Klin.

“On arrival, the stone basement and wooden top building was engulfed in flames. And sometime after 5:00 a.m. when the fire was extinguished, a search of the rubbles revealed the charcoal remains of Mr. Jim Johnson,” Brandy said.

The Inspector added that Johnson was alone in the building at the time of the fire, and after examination by the District Medical Officer his remains were taken to Hunkins Funeral Home.

He stated that no foul play was suspected and an autopsy would be performed on his body tomorrow. Brandy also stated that investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a press release from the St. Kitts and Nevis Hotel and Tourism Association, states that the association is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Johnson and sends out condolences to his family at this time of their bereavement.

It notes that everyone who knew him would be horrified at the way he met his end.

“Jim was the ultimate ambassador for Nevis, his energy and commitment to the Island was shown in the Fall of 2009 with the launching of the Nevis Pirate Festival. For his efforts with the Pirate Festival Jim was given an honorary membership of the HTA. All that had been on one of his tours will have known his knowledge and his enthusiasm for the Island of Nevis and anything to do with its nature and history,” the release reads.