Lexington County, October 18, 2025
News Summary
A house fire early Tuesday morning on Gillfield Court in Lexington County resulted in the death of 66-year-old Donna Hunter. Her husband, Paul Hunter, suffered severe burns and was transported to the Augusta Burn Center for treatment. Neighbors played a critical role in alerting the family and assisting Paul’s escape. The family also lost two dogs in the incident, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with recovery costs. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with no foul play suspected.
Lexington County
A tragic house fire on Gillfield Court in Lexington County early Tuesday morning has resulted in the death of 66-year-old Donna Hunter and severely injured her husband, Paul Hunter. The fire was reported around 6 a.m. and quickly escalated, leading to significant devastation.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene to find that Donna Hunter had succumbed to smoke inhalation. Her husband, Paul, was found severely burned and has been transported to the Augusta Burn Center for treatment. Although he is continuing to receive medical care, the full extent of his injuries remains unclear.
According to their son, Adam Hunter, the family was alerted to the fire by a neighbor who noticed smoke coming from the Hunters’ home. The neighbor’s quick actions, including contacting Adam, were critical in helping Paul Hunter escape the flames. Another neighbor’s son, Jonathan Yanez, bravely entered the burning house and successfully pulled Paul to safety.
In the unfortunate incident, the Hunters lost their two dogs, Gracie and Emmy, which Adam described as family members. Despite the tragedy, the family is currently focusing on urgent matters related to the aftermath of the fire and rehabilitation.
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with Paul Hunter’s recovery and to cover funeral costs for Donna Hunter. The fundraising efforts are essential for the family as they navigate this challenging period post-incident.
During the firefighting efforts, two firefighters suffered minor injuries but have since been treated and released from the hospital. Fire crews were initially attempting to rescue Donna, but extreme heat conditions forced them to retreat for their safety.
Local residents reported seeing thick plumes of smoke from miles away, indicating the intensity of the fire. Fortunately, the blaze was contained to the Hunters’ home, with neighboring properties escaping damage.
The exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. As of now, authorities have indicated that they do not suspect any foul play. An autopsy for Donna Hunter is scheduled, and investigators are continuing to gather information on this devastating incident.
Key Details
- Incident occurred on Gillfield Court in Lexington County.
- Time of occurrence was around 6 a.m. on Tuesday.
- Donna Hunter died at the scene due to smoke inhalation.
- Paul Hunter is severely burned and receiving treatment at Augusta Burn Center.
- Neighbors played a crucial role in alerting the family and aiding Paul Hunter’s escape.
- The family lost two dogs in the fire, viewed as family members.
- A GoFundMe page has been established for support.
- Firefighters sustained minor injuries; two have since been treated and released.
- The fire’s cause remains under investigation, with no foul play suspected.
Background Information
This tragic occurrence highlights the potential dangers of house fires and the crucial role of community in times of crisis. The Hunters, like many families, faced a sudden and life-altering situation, underscoring the need for awareness and preventive measures concerning fire safety.
FAQ
What was the cause of the fire in Lexington County?
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with no foul play suspected at this time.
What happened to the Hunters during the fire?
Donna Hunter died at the scene due to smoke inhalation, while Paul Hunter was severely burned and is being treated at the Augusta Burn Center.
How can the community help the Hunter family?
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist with Paul Hunter’s recovery and funeral costs for Donna Hunter.
Were there any injuries among the firefighters?
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the incident but have since been treated and released from the hospital.
What happened to the Hunters’ dogs in the fire?
The Hunters lost their two dogs, Gracie and Emmy, in the fire, which the family described as beloved family members.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Fire | Early Tuesday morning, around 6 a.m. |
| Location | Gillfield Court, Lexington County |
| Victims | Donna Hunter (deceased), Paul Hunter (severely injured) |
| Response | Neighbors alerted family and assisted during the incident |
| Community Efforts | GoFundMe page established for support |
| Firefighter Injuries | Two firefighters sustained minor injuries |
| Investigation Status | Cause under investigation; no foul play suspected |
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV: Structure Fire in Midlands
- The State: Local News Article
- WLTX: Community Rallies for Hunter Family
- Daily Dispatch: Coroner Identifies Victim
- Wikipedia
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.
