Newberry County is mourning after a devastating house fire early Friday morning claimed the lives of two residents and left the community heartbroken. The tragedy unfolded just after 6:30 a.m. on Windsong Hill Drive, where emergency dispatchers received urgent reports of a home consumed by flames. Multiple fire departments and law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene, but the intensity of the blaze left first responders facing overwhelming challenges from the moment they arrived.
According to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, firefighters were met with heavy fire conditions that made entering the home impossible. Crews worked quickly to knock down the flames, but the fire had already caused devastating damage. Once conditions allowed responders to enter, they discovered two bodies inside the home. The heartbreaking recovery confirmed the fears of many who had watched the emergency response unfold that morning.
Newberry County Coroner Laura Kneece later identified the victims as 44-year-old April Nicole Sutton Long and 73-year-old Leroy Seegers, both of whom lived in the Silverstreet community. Their deaths have deeply shaken family members, friends, and neighbors who now struggle to make sense of the sudden loss. Autopsies for both victims are scheduled for the coming week, which officials hope will offer more clarity about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Authorities also confirmed that two other residents of the home were not present at the time of the fire—a small relief amid an otherwise overwhelming and painful loss. Silverstreet Fire Chief Michael Parker described the scene as “heartbreaking,” acknowledging the emotional toll it has taken not only on the families but also on first responders who worked tirelessly in the face of such devastation. His words reflect the sorrow felt across Newberry County, where residents have expressed deep sympathy for all affected.
State and local investigators are now working to determine the cause of the fire. Their efforts will include examining the extensive damage to the structure, reviewing witness accounts, and considering information obtained from the upcoming autopsies. While many questions remain, officials emphasized their commitment to finding answers for the grieving community.
In the days since the fire, neighbors have come together to offer comfort, support, and prayers to the surviving residents and the families of April Sutton Long and Leroy Seegers. Friends remember both victims for the kindness they showed, the lives they touched, and the legacies they leave behind. As Newberry County continues to mourn, the community remains united in grief and strengthened by the shared commitment to honor the lives lost far too soon.
