Palisade, Colorado – A tragic incident unfolded in Mesa County, Colorado, as a deadly explosion at an apartment complex in Palisade claimed the life of an 18-year-old resident, Kloey Weythman. The suspected culprit behind the explosion, 29-year-old Andrew Alderman, was later found deceased at a fishing access near Leadville, according to the Lake County Coroner’s Office.
Reports indicate that the explosion at the ground-floor apartment on Iowa Avenue in Palisade led to a devastating fire that engulfed the entire complex. Despite the loss of Weythman, authorities have confirmed the safety and whereabouts of all other residents affected by the incident.
Investigators discovered distressing videos on Alderman’s social media account, hinting at his involvement in the intentional fire that took place in his apartment. The use of an accelerant was identified as the cause of the blaze, leading to a fatal explosion within the building. However, authorities have ruled out bomb-related activities or drug labs as the source of the explosion.
Efforts to determine Alderman’s motive for the destructive act are ongoing, with authorities expressing uncertainty about the reasons behind his actions. The aftermath of the incident has seen the community rallying together to support those displaced by the fire, providing temporary housing and assistance through initiatives like the American Red Cross.
Law enforcement agencies conducted an extensive search for Alderman following the explosion, eventually locating him in Leadville through clues from his social media posts. The discovery of Alderman’s vehicle at Twin Lakes fishing access marked a tragic end to the search, with law enforcement finding him deceased in what appeared to be a self-inflicted manner.
While the case remains under investigation by the Colorado Department of Investigation, the closure on Alderman’s whereabouts brings a sense of relief to the authorities involved in the search. Despite the somber conclusion, efforts to understand the circumstances leading to the tragic event continue, shedding light on the impact of such incidents on communities like Palisade.