Father says Kansas man who set self on fire and died in Oregon was mentally ill and suicidal

Father: Man who set self on fire mentally ill

PORTLAND, Ore. — The father of a man who died after setting himself on fire in downtown Portland says his son was mentally troubled and living on the streets.

Authorities say 26-year-old Daniel Shaull, of Dodge City, Kan., died Wednesday shortly after setting himself on fire near a downtown fur store. His father, Warren Shaull, tells The Oregonian newspaper that his son arrived in Portland last week and was suicidal when he left Kansas.

Shaull says his son called home Wednesday to ask for a sleeping bag and money, saying it was cold on the streets at night. Although the fur store has been the site of numerous protests, Shaull says his son’s act was not political. He says his son was mentally ill and tired of living.

Information from: The Oregonian, www.oregonlive.com