Tragic Fire Claims Life of Lexington County Resident
LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. — It’s a heart-wrenching scene that has left our community in shock. A fatal fire at a home in the 1200 block of Charles Town Road took the life of 54-year-old Craig Raymond Kustermann. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department (LCSD) has shared some details, shedding light on what happened that fateful day.
Incident Report Details
The tragic events unfolded on Monday, September 9, when Kustermann’s in-home caregiver found herself unable to get in touch with him. Concerned for his wellbeing, she requested a welfare check, prompting deputies to rush to the scene around noon. This was no ordinary call, as deputies learned en route that Lexington County Fire Services (LCFS) had also been dispatched to the same address.
Upon arrival, deputies were met with a devastating sight: the home was completely engulfed in flames. Firefighters were already hard at work trying to bring the blaze under control. Unfortunately, the damage was extensive—the roof had collapsed and several walls of the house had succumbed to the inferno.
Finding Kustermann
As the flames were finally extinguished, LCFS made a heartbreaking discovery: Kustermann was found inside the home. This prompted an immediate call to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) arson unit, who would now investigate the cause of the fire.
A Life Cut Short
Kustermann had faced significant health challenges, as he was wheelchair-bound due to an amputation of his left leg, which was a complication from Type-1 diabetes. It’s incredibly sad to report that he had no immediate family in the area to help care for him. His caregiver, who had only started helping him three days prior to this terrible incident, was doing her best to support him during such a difficult time.
Autopsy and Ongoing Investigation
In the wake of this tragedy, an autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston. As the investigation continues, both SLED and LCSD are piecing together what might have sparked the fire and seeking answers to questions that flood our minds.
Remembering Kustermann
The loss of Craig Kustermann serves as a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. The community is coming together during this tough time, expressing their condolences and support for all those affected. Fire safety is a concern we should all take seriously; this unfortunate situation is a call for us to be vigilant.
As we await further updates from the investigation, let’s keep Kustermann’s memory alive and support those in our community who are also facing their own challenges. It takes a village, and together we can make a difference, ensuring that no one feels alone in their time of need.
What’s Next?
As news about this tragic event unfolds, let’s stay tuned for updates. The Lexington County community is resilient, and together, we will learn from this and work towards ensuring safety and support for residents like Kustermann.
