Fatal explosion at Black Mountain motel in May ruled a suicide, police say
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C July 10th, 2022 An explosion at a Black Mountain motel in late May that left one person dead has been ruled a suicide, Black Mountain Police Chief said Thursday, July 7.
The explosion on May 30 at Apple Blossom Motel was found to be a self-induced gas explosion that set a motel room on fire, Black Mountain Police Chief Steve Parker said.
He said the deceased person was Julia Browder, age 39, who died in the explosion and whose body was found in the room.
Police and other first responders were called to the scene of an apparent explosion at about 10 p.m. May 30 at the Apple Blossom Motel on West State Street. Fire crews and emergency personnel were on scene for hours.
No one else was injured in the fire, and police said it was an isolated incident.
Parker said the department has concluded its investigation into the explosion and has closed the case. Due to the sensitivity and privacy of the family, police had no further comment on the investigation or conclusion.
