October 25, 2025
Flames Consume Home, One Found Dead Inside
UPDATE: September 25, 2025 – The NC Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 72 year-old Randy Lingle. The fire remains under investigation but the cause appears accidental.
September 24, 2025
CLAYTON – One person was found dead inside a burning home late Monday night in Johnston County.
At 9:59 p.m., the Johnston County 911 Center received reports of a house fire at 2245 Cooper Branch Road. When firefighters from Wilson’s Mills, Clayton, and Cleveland fire departments arrived, they encountered heavy flames coming from the brick residence.
After entering the home, crews discovered a deceased male inside.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating the cause of the fire. Authorities believe the fire was accidental.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released, pending confirmation by the North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office.
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This was my home, my father and 3 of the best doggies you’d ever meet were stuck inside. i do not even have words to say truthfully, i am in absolute shock- it was something you would see in a movie not real life, it’s something you would never think would be able to happen. My daddy was my best friend, through good and bad, fighting or good terms, i was for sure a Daddy’s girl- i was the only girl. the youngest out of me and my Brother. My heart is absolutely ripped out of my chest and shattered it feels like, i wasn’t ready to lose my dad, nor my precious dog- Bubbie, a mini dachshund who was in the process of becoming a full service dog for personal reasons. He was an ESA starting out so i would bring him around most stores in Clayton, some of you if you read this may know me and him. I truthfully appreciate all the love and attention people gave him while being out and about, he really loved people and going shopping. he was a little Diva honestly, but that was my Baby boy, i considered him my son and to some that may sound kind of odd, but his love equaled out if not overwhelmed what a human could give. Bubbies birthday was going to be this coming up Saturday, he was turning 5 years old, he was going to get a plain cheeseburger from mcdonald’s with ranch because that was one of his favorite treats. I cannot explain the feelings i have on losing My father, Bubbie, Daisy- a grey and white pitbull, who was definitely a daisy, she was scared of her own toots, at about 55 pounds she was scared of her own toots. my heart absolutely shatters having to imagine how scared my babies were. Daisy and Bubbie were “boyfriend and girlfriend” because they’d always be together, with anything they did. The 2 of them were found very near each other so it does bring me some sort of peace knowing they had each other as always. the last and 3rd dog, my childhood dog, Maxwell but we just called him max. He was unfortunately blind and deaf, he was found right beside bubbie not even a foot away. they all 3 had each other by the gift of God in their last moments. I just can Hope, and Pray for my Daddy up in Heaven and my beloved babies in Doggie Heaven as well. I as well Hope and Pray that no body ever has to experience this devastating type of pain, it is so unexplainably overwhelming, and heart breaking. I pray for Everybody to Stay Safe.
I am so very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for comfort during this difficult time
Our prayers are with you and your family.. condolences to you and your family.
Michelle, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that you have got to be devastated. May God bring you Peace and Comfort in Knowing that Your Father and Babies are in a Place where you will see them again. Praying for You and Your Family.