In the early hours of Sunday morning, tragedy struck a close-knit family in Gaffney, South Carolina. A devastating house fire claimed the lives of four family members, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The fire broke out around 1:40 a.m. in a one-story wood-frame home on East Third Street. Kathy Shippy, one of the residents, managed to escape the inferno and ran across the street to a neighbor’s house to call 911. Surveillance footage from the neighbor’s doorbell camera revealed that the house was already fully engulfed in flames by the time the call was made.
Cherokee County Coroner Dennis Fowler identified the victims as 38-year-old Willie Morris, 25-year-old Dakeyia Shippy, 4-year-old Mason Issac, and 7-month-old Jerekry McGill. All were residents of the home and relatives of the survivor.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire began when Morris attempted to refuel a kerosene heater inside the home. The blaze ignited suddenly and spread rapidly, trapping the family members inside. Autopsies are scheduled to determine the precise causes of death and assist investigators in confirming the fire’s origin.
The victims were found on the floor of the kitchen at the rear of the house, appearing to have been trying to escape through a window when they were overcome by smoke. Their tragic end underscores the dangers of improper use of heating devices during colder months.
Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano urged the public to exercise extreme caution when operating space or kerosene heaters. “Never attempt to refuel a heater indoors or while it is still hot,” Chief Caggiano emphasized, highlighting the importance of fire safety.
The incident remains under joint investigation by the Gaffney Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Authorities have described the loss as “heartbreaking” and have extended condolences to the family and community members affected by the tragedy.
As the community grapples with this profound loss, the story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fire safety and the fragility of life. The memory of the four lives lost will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Gaffney, urging all to take necessary precautions to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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