A devastating house fire late Monday night has claimed the life of a 62-year-old woman in the Eastbrook community of Harlan County. Authorities identified the victim as Judy Holden, who died after her home was overtaken by flames. The tragic incident has left the quiet neighborhood in mourning.
According to officials, Post 10 Harlan received a call reporting the house fire at approximately 9:22 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026. The fire was reported at a residence located at 229 Shell Hollow Road. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene after the call came in.
Sergeant Chase Maynard, Trooper Cameron Cornett, and Trooper Colby Cochran responded to the fire along with crews from the West Cloverfork Fire Department and the Sunshine Fire Department. When first responders arrived, they found the residence fully engulfed in flames, with fire spreading rapidly through the structure. Firefighters worked aggressively to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties.
After the fire was extinguished, responders made a tragic discovery. A female victim was found near the front entrance of the home. She was later identified as Judy Holden, 62. Officials said Mrs. Holden suffered fatal injuries as a result of the fire and was unable to escape before the flames consumed the residence.
Harlan County Coroner Derrick Noe responded to the scene and officially pronounced Mrs. Holden deceased. Detective Jonathan Ledford also arrived and has taken over the investigation into the incident. An autopsy has been scheduled at the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort to determine the exact cause of death and gather additional information related to the fire.
At this time, authorities say no foul play is suspected, but the investigation remains ongoing as officials work to determine what caused the fire. The Harlan County Rescue Squad and additional first responders assisted at the scene. Officials are reminding residents of the importance of fire safety and having working smoke alarms, as fires can spread quickly and turn deadly within minutes.
