Accident – death – Obituary News :

Tragic Discovery of Two People Found Dead in Overheated Home in Spartanburg, South Carolina

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (WSPA) – In a devastating incident, two individuals were tragically found dead on Saturday in a residence described by the police as “extremely hot” in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

The authorities were summoned for a welfare check at approximately 6 p.m. on Saturday after concerned family members raised an alarm, according to a report from the Spartanburg Police Department.

Despite the challenging conditions, both the police and emergency medical services managed to gain entry into the home, where they discovered the lifeless bodies of 84-year-old Joan Littlejohn and 82-year-old Glennwood Fowler.

According to a police report, the temperature inside the house exceeded 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and firefighters later discovered that the furnace in the basement was emitting an “extremely” high level of heat.

“The temperature reached an alarming 800 to 1,000 degrees,” stated Assistant Chief Brad Hall of the Spartanburg Fire Department.

Although firefighters conducted tests for carbon monoxide, they found no abnormal levels of the deadly gas.

Further investigation revealed that the victims’ family had reported their attempts to fix a malfunctioning pilot light on the hot water heater. They had taken action after realizing that both the heater and hot water supply were not functioning, and the house was becoming uncomfortably cold, as stated in the police report.

Once the pilot light was reignited, the family members left the premises, unaware of the imminent danger that awaited Joan Littlejohn and Glennwood Fowler.

While carbon monoxide was not initially detected in the home, Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger mentioned that tests would be conducted to determine if it played a part in the victims’ deaths.

“Given the type of heater involved, carbon monoxide is a significant consideration in cases like these. It is possible that they may have suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning,” Clevenger explained.

To shed light on the circumstances leading to this tragedy, Clevenger has employed the expertise of a specialist to thoroughly inspect the furnace.

“I am hopeful that the specialist will be able to provide an evaluation, informing us whether there was a malfunction or any underlying issue with the heater that caused the temperature to rise to such dangerous levels within the house,” Clevenger elaborated.

However, it may take several weeks before the cause of death can be determined conclusively.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with malfunctioning heating systems and the importance of regular maintenance to ensure the safety of households. Authorities urge homeowners to promptly address any issues with their heating appliances and to prioritize the well-being of their loved ones.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic event.

.