Police: Deadly fire intentionally set

An Eagle Scout working at a Boy Scouts of America camp intentionally set the fire that killed him, Virginia State Police said Monday.

Christopher William Murray, 20, of Albemarle County, died early Friday inside the trading post of Camp Shenandoah in Swoope, police said.

“The investigation concluded that the fire was intentionally set by the victim,” state police Sgt. F.L. Tyler read from a statement.

Tyler would comment neither on how Murray started the fire nor whether the death had been ruled a suicide.

The fire broke out in the wooden structure just after 4 a.m., drawing five fire companies to the secluded campsite set amid thick woods. Almost 200 scouts and their chaperones were staying at the camp. About 40 firefighters worked 30 minutes to control the fire. No one else was hurt.

Condolences began accumulating on Murray’s Facebook page over the weekend, where friends described the man’s enthusiasm, wisdom and dedication to scouting.

Murray was in his third year as a camp staff member, and was a Piedmont Virginia Community College student, according to his profile. Scouting, gaming and public speaking are listed among interests.

In the days before his death, Murray’s postings mention a breakup, a missed appointment and frustration with “camp politics.”

More than 100 fourth- and fifth-graders, known as Webelos, had been staying at the camp with 78 adult chaperones. The campers, from 13 counties, were to leave Saturday, ending the camp season, but closed camp Friday while investigators worked at the scene.

Funeral arrangements will be made through Ryan Funeral Home.