Lexington County, South Carolina, September 17, 2025
News Summary
Two devastating house fires in Lexington County, South Carolina, resulted in the deaths of two residents over the weekend. Lila Ann Gunter, 65, and Luther Vern Price, 74, lost their lives in separate incidents that left the community in mourning. Investigations into the causes are underway, while neighbors and family members express their grief and support during this difficult time.
Lexington County, South Carolina, was shaken by two separate house fires over the weekend that resulted in the tragic loss of life. Both incidents have left the local community in shock and mourning, as family members and neighbors grapple with their immense grief.
First House Fire Claims Life of Local Woman
The first fire occurred early Sunday morning in the 1600 block of B Avenue, West Columbia. Around 4 A.M., a house fire erupted, resulting in the death of 65-year-old Lila Ann Gunter. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control within approximately 30 minutes, but not before it caused significant damage. Neighbors reported seeing smoke billowing from the back of the home right before the flames intensified. Community members have expressed sorrow over Gunter’s death and the feeling of helplessness in not being able to assist during this tragic event.
Second Fire Results in Fatality of Elderly Man
The second devastating incident occurred just a few hours later, around 8 A.M., in the 300 block of Schofield Road in the Gilbert area. This fire resulted in the death of 74-year-old Luther Vern Price. A neighbor passing by noticed the fire and promptly alerted emergency services. First responders arrived to find Price in cardiac arrest within the home. Despite their efforts to perform CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Price’s family is deeply devastated by his loss, especially after spending quality time with him the night before the incident. Family members are gathering to remember the moments they shared and support one another during this difficult time.
Ongoing Investigations into Fire Causes
The causes of both fires are currently under investigation by multiple agencies, including the Lexington County Fire Marshal, South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). An autopsy for Lila Ann Gunter is scheduled for September 17 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, which will help determine the official cause and manner of her death.
Community Impact and Reactions
The incidents have sparked discussions among community members about fire safety and preparedness. Local residents have shown an outpouring of support for the families affected and have begun organizing memorials to honor the lives lost. Investigators are expected to provide more details as their inquiries progress.
Conclusion
The Lexington County community is still coming to grips with the impact of these tragic incidents, mourning the losses of Lila Ann Gunter and Luther Vern Price. With ongoing investigations, residents are hopeful for answers and are focusing on supporting one another during this tough time.
FAQs about the Lexington County House Fires
What caused the house fires in Lexington County?
The causes of the house fires are currently under investigation by various agencies, including the Lexington County Fire Marshal and the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s Office.
What are the identities of the victims?
The victims of the fires have been identified as 65-year-old Lila Ann Gunter and 74-year-old Luther Vern Price.
Is there any response from the community?
Yes, the community has expressed concern and sadness over the incidents. Many local residents are rallying to support the families of the victims and are discussing fire safety measures.
Key Features of the Local House Fires
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location of First Fire | 1600 block of B Avenue, West Columbia |
| Victim of First Fire | Lila Ann Gunter, 65 |
| Time of First Fire | Just before 4 A.M. |
| Location of Second Fire | 300 block of Schofield Road, Gilbert |
| Victim of Second Fire | Luther Vern Price, 74 |
| Time of Second Fire | Around 8 A.M. |
| Current Status | Investigations ongoing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Debate Grows over Proposed Lexington Subdivision
Lexington Reviews Proposal for 308-Home Subdivision
Columbia’s Homeless Court Program Transforms Lives
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Lightning Strike Causes Fire, Displacing Residents in Columbia
Additional Resources
- WLTX: West Columbia House Fire
- Wikipedia: House Fire
- Cola Daily: Woman Found Dead After Fire
- Google Search: Fire Safety Measures
- The State: Local House Fire Claims Life
- Google Scholar: Fire Investigation Techniques
- WACH: One Dead in House Fire
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- ABC Columbia: Coroner Identifies Fire Victims
- Google News: Fire Investigation
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.
