Tragic Incident: Elderly Couple Found Dead in Overheated South Carolina Home

A heartbreaking incident recently took place in South Carolina, where an elderly couple was discovered dead inside their home. The discovery was made when concerned family members requested a wellness check from the police.

The Unfortunate Victims

The victims of this tragedy were Joan Littlejohn, 84 years old, and Glennwood Fowler, 82 years old. Authorities found their lifeless bodies in a bedroom. While there were no apparent signs of foul play or struggle, the Spartanburg County Coroner’s Office is currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of their untimely deaths.

Extremely High Heat

Upon arrival at the scene, first responders immediately noticed an intense level of heat emanating from the residence. They attempted to measure the temperature of the victims, but their devices could only reach a maximum of 106 degrees. Shockingly, both victims’ temperatures surpassed that limit.

Even after opening the windows to let in the cold air for approximately 20 minutes, the interior of the house remained at a scorching 120 degrees. Firefighters proceeded to the basement of the residence, where they discovered the source of the excessive heat. The heater and hot water heater were so hot that it appeared as if the basement was engulfed in flames.

Overheated Heater Revealed

After deactivating the heater, authorities assessed its temperature and were astounded to find that it had reached over 1,000 degrees. This malfunctioning equipment contributed to the overwhelming heat inside the home and, ultimately, the tragic outcome for the elderly couple.

A Desperate Attempt to Stay Warm

Family members informed officials that the couple had been struggling to heat their home. In fact, the last time anyone had seen Joan and Glennwood, family members had attempted to fix the wiring near the pilot light. Unfortunately, these efforts proved to be unsuccessful and detrimental to their safety.

The loss of Joan and Glennwood serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of taking precautions with heating equipment, especially for vulnerable individuals like the elderly. It is essential to regularly check and maintain heating systems to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this unfortunate event. Let us all come together to remember and honor the lives of Joan Littlejohn and Glennwood Fowler.