Kees Embregts died after a fire at his home on Hoofdstraat in Rijen during the night of 16 June. Firefighters found his body after it was safe to enter the house, and police later confirmed his identity.

The Public Prosecution Service reported that forensic and tactical investigations found no concrete indication of arson and no suspect. They also did not establish a technical cause, such as a short circuit. The cause of the fire therefore remains unknown; possible household accidents involving, for example, candles or a stove were not established as causes.