DATE: 12/08/2021

 

 For immediate release

 

 On December 8th, 2021, at approximately 4:00 am.

 The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office received

 a 911 call reporting a structure fire at 4809

 State Highway W. At the same time a deputy was

 driving by and saw the fire and confirmed to dispatch

 a residential single-story home was fully engulfed.

 Our deputy attempted to determine if anyone was

 home, however could not gain entrance to the

 residence due to the extent of the flames, smoke,

 and heat.

 

 At approximately 4:12 am, Fire Departments from

 Cape Girardeau, East County, Gordonville, Fruitland,

 & Jackson began arriving at the residence.

 

 Upon further investigation of the fire and after

 speaking with relatives about who resided there,

 it was found that Arno Raymond Southard, age

 81 of Cape Girardeau Missouri, was discovered

 deceased inside the residence.