Lexington, October 15, 2025
News Summary
A devastating house fire on Gillfield Court has left a community in mourning after the tragic death of 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter. Her husband remains in critical condition following a rescue by a neighbor. As firefighters battled heavy flames, the investigation into the cause of the fire commenced. Witnesses reported distressing details as the local community grapples with the sudden loss and the fate of three dogs believed to be trapped inside the home.
Lexington—A tragic house fire on Gillfield Court claimed the life of a 66-year-old woman and left her husband in critical condition. The Lexington County Coroner has identified the victim as Donna Jones Hunter. Hunter was pronounced dead at the scene of the fire, which erupted around 6 a.m. on October 14. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15, to determine the cause of death.
Another resident, believed to be Hunter’s husband, was rescued by a neighbor and remains hospitalized in critical condition at the Augusta Burn Center. Reports indicate that the man was rescued shortly after the fire started, struggling to breathe and covered in soot. The attention of the neighbor, Jonathan Yanaz, proved pivotal in pulling the man from the flames, while they remained concerned for the woman and their two dogs who were still inside the burning home.
Firefighters from various agencies, including the Lexington County Fire Service, the Irmo Fire District, and Lexington County EMS, arrived promptly at the scene to combat the fire. Upon arrival, emergency crews encountered heavy flames at the back of the two-story home, which hampered their ability to execute rescue operations. Firefighters attempted several rescues but were ultimately forced to retreat due to extreme heat conditions. During the response, two firefighters sustained minor injuries but have since been treated and released from the hospital.
First responders received alarm signals indicating a working structure fire shortly after 6 a.m. Investigators from multiple departments, including the Town of Lexington Police Department, the Lexington County Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Coroner’s Office, are collaborating to determine the cause of the fire.
Witness accounts describe the chaos surrounding the event. Local resident Janine Mitchell heard two loud bangs prior to the emergence of flames and conveyed the unpredictable nature of house fires. At least three dogs were reported to be inside the residence when the fire broke out, but their whereabouts post-incident remain unknown.
This heartbreaking incident has shaken the Lexington community, as residents reflect on the sudden and devastating impact of fires, which can escalate quickly and lead to tragic outcomes.
Key Details
- Victim: Donna Jones Hunter, 66, pronounced dead at the scene.
- Husband: Rescued neighbor remains in critical condition at Augusta Burn Center.
- Fire Response: Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the fire, faced heavy flames, and treated two firefighters for minor injuries.
- Investigation: Ongoing efforts to determine the cause of the fire by local and state agencies.
- Animals: Three dogs reported inside the house, current status unknown.
About House Fire Safety
House fires can arise from a myriad of causes ranging from electrical failures to cooking accidents. It is crucial for homeowners to have smoke detectors installed, maintain fire extinguishers, and develop evacuation plans to ensure safety in the event of a fire.
FAQ
What happened in Lexington?
A house fire on Gillfield Court resulted in the death of a 66-year-old woman, Donna Jones Hunter, and left her husband in critical condition.
What is known about the victim?
Donna Jones Hunter, 66, was pronounced dead at the scene, with an autopsy scheduled for October 15.
Who rescued the husband?
The husband’s rescue was carried out by a neighbor named Jonathan Yanaz.
What injuries were reported among the firefighters?
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the response but were treated and released from the hospital.
Are there any updates on the dogs that were in the house?
Three dogs were reported to be inside the home during the fire, but their whereabouts are currently unknown.
Who is investigating the fire?
The investigation is a collaborative effort involving the Town of Lexington Police Department, Lexington County Fire Department, State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Coroner’s Office.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Gillfield Court, Lexington |
| Victim | Donna Jones Hunter, 66, deceased |
| Husband’s Condition | Critical condition at Augusta Burn Center |
| Fire Response | Multiple fire agencies responded; two firefighters sustained minor injuries |
| Investigation Status | In progress by various agencies |
| Animals Involved | Three dogs inside the house; whereabouts unknown |
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV – Structure Fire in Midlands
- LEX 18 – Lexington House Fire
- The State – House Fire Updates
- WLTX – Deadly House Fire in Lexington
- COLA Daily – Lexington House Fire News
- Wikipedia: Fire Safety
- Google Search: House Fire Prevention
- Google Scholar: Fire Safety Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- Google News: House Fire Incidents
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
