A family in Edgefield is turning to the community for support following a deadly house fire that took the life of 30-year-old Paul Johnson, prompting both an outpouring of donations and an active investigation into how the fire started.
Johnson died Wednesday after a fire broke out at a home in the 700 block of Jeter Street, where he had been staying while caring for the house and pets for his mother, Sonya Johnson, who was out of town. The Edgefield County Coroner’s Office said Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy has been scheduled in Newberry.
In response to the tragedy, Johnson’s sister-in-law, Holly Johnson, organized a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral costs and other expenses for the family. The fundraiser has already collected more than $4,500. Organizers say the goal will be increased to account for unexpected costs and to help Johnson’s mother replace essential items lost in the fire, including clothing and food.
“Our family is absolutely shocked and devastated,” the fundraiser states, describing a surge of calls and messages from friends and loved ones asking how they could help. The campaign encourages donations, sharing the page, or providing assistance in other ways.
While the family focuses on grieving and recovery, authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire that led to Johnson’s death.
Edgefield police were called to the scene around 1:14 p.m. Dec. 31 and arrived to find a white, single-story home engulfed in flames, with the front door partially open. According to an incident report, a witness told officers they had seen a man outside the house earlier, coughing and covering his mouth, before disappearing from view after calling 911.
Officers attempted to determine whether anyone was inside the residence but received no response. Fire crews arrived shortly afterward and extinguished the blaze. During a search of the home, firefighters found Johnson on the floor of a back bedroom.
Due to witness statements and the nature of the incident, the Edgefield Police Department requested assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s arson investigation team. The Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office is also assisting with the investigation.
