Collier County man dies by gunshot, fire ruled intentional

Deputies responded to a tragic scene in Golden Gate Estates after a man called authorities and said he was going to harm himself.

A short time later, a neighbor reported seeing the man’s home engulfed in flames.

According to the state fire marshal, the fire was intentionally set, with accelerants used to make it burn more quickly. Investigators later found the man dead in a wooded area next to the home. The Collier County Sheriff’s Office confirmed he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and that his death was not caused by the fire.

Neighbors say the loss has left the community shaken.

Michael Gaglione, who lives nearby, said he knew the homeowner well.

“I know him as Rich,” said Gaglione. “We would meet on the lawn mowers out front here and he was an awful nice guy.”

Gaglione said he began to worry when the homeowner stopped maintaining his yard, something he says had always been important to him.

“He loved his yard, so it was a sign to me that something was wrong,” said Gaglione. “I feel as if mental illness is really a big thing in America.”

Rochelle Negron, the neighbor who called 911, said she was alarmed when she saw flames consuming the home.

"I immediately called 911,” said Negron. “There was like a big explosion. I keep saying, like, maybe if we had gotten over there faster, maybe we could have helped.”

The state fire marshal continues to investigate.