A natural-gas leak inside a Centennial home ignited an explosion that leveled the house early Saturday and killed a man, authorities said Tuesday.
The person killed in the blast has been identified as Erik G. Johnson, 34, who lived in the home.
Dr. Michael Dobersen, Arapahoe County coroner, said he is awaiting results of toxicology tests and the sheriff’s investigation before he determines a cause of death for Johnson.
Investigators found that the natural-gas leak was inside the home at 8288 S. Jasmine Court, Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said Tuesday.
“Whether (the leak) was intentional or accidental is what we’re trying to figure out,” Robinson said. “It’s a difficult investigation because of the devastation caused to the home.”
Investigators received a copy of an e-mail Johnson sent to his ex-wife threatening to kill himself, Robinson said.
“It’s too early for us to say whether that is what happened,” Robinson said.
The blast shortly after midnight Friday leveled Johnson’s home and damaged two adjacent houses. No other injuries were reported.
A neighbor said she heard someone hammering at Johnson’s home minutes before the explosion.
Firefighters found Johnson’s body inside the house, Robinson said.
Staff writer Kirk Mitchell can be reached at 303-954-1206 or kmitchell@denverpost.com.
