CHARLESTON, SC — Two people were found dead following a townhome fire in downtown Charleston on Thursday morning, according to Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal. The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Troy Smith Jr. and 37-year-old Latrice Milligan, both of Charleston.
The fire broke out around 7 a.m. at a townhome on Radcliffe Street. Charleston Fire officials reported flames coming from the first-floor window of a middle two-story unit. Upon entering the home, firefighters discovered one victim on the first floor and the other on the second floor.
“Any loss of life is tragic for a family and the community,” said Charleston Fire Chief Dan Curia. “The Charleston Fire Department and the City of Charleston express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the victims. A support network comprised of the Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy and the Red Cross have responded to assist those involved.”
Investigators from the Charleston Fire Marshal’s Office, Charleston Police Department, and the coroner’s office conducted a joint investigation throughout the day. They gathered evidence, interviewed witnesses, and processed the scene to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary findings indicate that the fire started in the living room on the first floor, but the exact cause remains under review.
Officials noted that there were no smoke alarms in the townhome unit where the fire occurred. Residents living in four additional townhomes were displaced but were expected to return to their units by Thursday afternoon.
The tragic deaths of Troy Smith Jr. and Latrice Milligan have left the Charleston community in mourning. Authorities are urging residents to ensure their homes are equipped with working smoke alarms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues. The community is coming together to support the families of the victims during this difficult time.
