Lexington, SC, October 17, 2025
News Summary
A fire on Gillfield Court in Lexington resulted in the tragic death of a 66-year-old woman. Firefighters battled heavy flames, but could not rescue her. Her husband was rescued and is in critical condition. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, while the victim’s family has set up a fundraising campaign to assist with expenses.
Lexington, SC – A tragic house fire early Tuesday morning, October 14, 2025, on Gillfield Court resulted in the death of a 66-year-old woman, identified as Donna Jones Hunter. Firefighters responded to the blaze around 6 a.m. and found heavy flames consuming the two-story home, where Ms. Hunter was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for October 15 to determine the exact cause of death.
In addition to Ms. Hunter, her husband was rescued from the home and transported to the Augusta Burn Center, where he remains in critical condition. The man was reportedly covered in soot and struggling to breathe when pulled from the burning house by a neighbor named Jonathan Yanaz. Reports indicate that he was concerned about Ms. Hunter and their two dogs, who were still inside the home at the time of the fire.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Town of Lexington Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Firefighters made several attempts to rescue Ms. Hunter and the dogs; however, they were forced to retreat due to extremely dangerous heat and fire conditions. During the firefighting efforts, two firefighters sustained minor injuries but have since been treated and released from the hospital.
As a precaution related to the emergency response, Beltrees Drive in the Willowbrook neighborhood has been closed to traffic while crews manage the aftermath of the incident. The fire devastated the home entirely, and the whereabouts of the three dogs that were inside remain unknown at this time.
In the wake of this tragedy, Ms. Hunter’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral and medical expenses as they cope with this significant loss.
This fire incident highlights the critical actions of neighbors and emergency responders in life-threatening situations. Community support through the family’s GoFundMe is crucial as they navigate this very difficult time.
FAQ
What was the cause of the house fire in Lexington, SC?
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Town of Lexington Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Who died in the house fire?
The deceased victim has been identified as 66-year-old Donna Jones Hunter.
What happened to Donna Hunter’s husband?
Donna Hunter’s husband was rescued and taken to the Augusta Burn Center for treatment; his condition is critical.
How did the neighbor, Jonathan Yanaz, respond during the fire?
Jonathan Yanaz attempted a rescue and pulled the husband out, who was covered in soot and struggling to breathe.
What is being done to support the family of Donna Jones Hunter?
Ms. Hunter’s family has started a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral and medical expenses.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | October 14, 2025 |
| Location | Gillfield Court, Lexington, SC |
| Victim | Donna Jones Hunter, 66 |
| Husband’s Condition | Critical, in Augusta Burn Center |
| Investigation Agencies | Town of Lexington Police Department, State Fire Marshal’s Office |
| Rescue Attempts | Neighbors and firefighters |
| Number of Injured Firefighters | Two (minor injuries) |
| GoFundMe Campaign | Established for funeral and medical expenses |
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Structure Fire in Midlands
- Wikipedia: House Fire
- The State: Local News on House Fire
- Google Search: House fire Lexington SC
- WLTX: Deadly Lexington House Fire
- Google Scholar: Fire Investigation
- WJCL: Lexington County Deadly House Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- WACH: Structure Fire Shuts Down Road in Lexington
- Google News: Fire Emergency Response
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.
