A Lane family was awakened in the early morning hours of Sunday to a fire that destroyed their doublewide mobile home on Microwave Road and claimed the life of one of their own. On March 20, at 3 a.m., Tyrone L. McCrea, 40 was discovered in his aunt’s bedroom by responding firefighters.
According to Deputy Coroner Vernell Fulton, a family member was awaken by the smoke and alerted the entire household. Williamsburg County Fire Department arrived within six minutes of the 911 call to find the roof had already collapsed. According to witness statements it is believed that McCrea stayed behind to make certain everyone had escaped the fire. Once inside firefighters discovered McCrea’s body.
According to the Coastal South Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross who responded to assist following a home fire, five adults and one child were currently living at the residence. Deputy Coroner Fulton said the body has been sent to the Medical University of South Carolina where an autopsy to rule the cause of death will be performed. According to WC Fire Chief Randy Swinton, the fire is under investigation.