Title: Body of Missing Nebraska Man Found Inside Chimney, Police Investigate
Author: Katherine Donlevy
Date: Oct. 26, 2023
The body of a missing man was discovered last week inside a chimney in Norfolk, Nebraska, more than one month after mysterious screams for help were heard within the building. The victim has been identified as 29-year-old Zachariah Andrews, who had an arrest warrant issued against him two weeks after he went missing.
On October 19, a maintenance worker investigating a foul odor emanating from the apartment chimney found what appeared to be human shoes dangling from the shaft, leading to the recovery of Andrews’ body, according to the Norfolk Daily News.
Andrews was last seen alive on September 15, but his disappearance was not reported until 19 days later. The day after Andrews went missing, a resident of the apartment building called the Norfolk Police, reporting that they had heard someone yelling for help from the first floor. However, by the time officers arrived, the screams had ceased.
Despite conducting a thorough search of the property and speaking with multiple residents, the police were unable to locate the source of the pleas for help, leaving Andrews trapped in the chimney to perish.
Andrews was officially reported missing on October 3, the same day an arrest warrant was issued for him on seven counts of violating a protection order by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
In the months leading up to his disappearance, Andrews had been posting on his Facebook page attempting to reach an unnamed woman. Friends had advised him to let go and seek treatment. One post mentioned that the police had confiscated his “love letters” to her and claimed that his goal of being with her was not realistic.
Additionally, Andrews had faced previous charges, including allegedly trying to entice a 12-year-old girl and resisting arrest by assaulting another man.
During the time he was missing, a parking warning was placed on Andrews’ car, which was parked directly in front of the apartment building where he was found trapped.
While police believe Andrews’ death was accidental, an investigation is still ongoing.
Friends and acquaintances have taken to social media to express their condolences and remember their time with Andrews. Many believe he is now free from suffering and in a better place.
The circumstances surrounding Andrews’ disappearance and death have left the community shocked and saddened. Authorities continue to gather more information to determine the exact events leading up to his tragic end.