WALKER COUNTY, Ga. — The Walker County community is reeling after a devastating fire claimed the life of John Millican III, a beloved teacher and coach at LaFayette High School, early Sunday morning. His wife and two young children survived the blaze but suffered injuries and are now receiving treatment.
According to authorities, dispatchers received a call around 7:38 a.m. reporting smoke coming from a home on Ridgewood Circle. Firefighters arrived within nine minutes to find heavy flames and thick smoke billowing from the front of the residence. Crews quickly began battling the fire and conducting search-and-rescue operations inside the structure. Officials say Heather Millican, a Social Studies teacher at LaFayette Middle School, managed to escape the burning home with their two children, ages 3 and 8, before firefighters arrived.
Tragically, John Millican was trapped inside. Fire crews found him unconscious in a back bedroom and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Walker County Coroner’s Office confirmed his passing, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. The house was completely destroyed, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Walker County Fire Marshal’s Office.
Heather Millican and the children were transported to the Vanderbilt Burn Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where they continue to receive care. The Walker County School District expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, describing John as a dedicated educator and coach whose impact on students, athletes, and colleagues was immeasurable. Counselors and social workers have been made available to support those affected by the loss throughout the school community.
Friends, students, and fellow teachers describe Coach Millican as passionate, patient, and kind — someone who inspired excellence both in the classroom and on the field. He volunteered for Dade County Cross Country and Track & Field, where he was known for his tireless work ethic and unwavering encouragement of young athletes. “He gave everything to his students and athletes,” one colleague shared. “His influence went far beyond sports — he helped shape character and confidence.”
The community has rallied around the Millican family, offering prayers, donations, and words of comfort as they face unimaginable grief. While their hearts are heavy, those who knew John Millican III take solace in the legacy he leaves behind — a life defined by service, compassion, and love for his family and students.
