Luther Vern Price Obituary, Death – Authorities in Lexington County have released the identity of the man who lost his life in a weekend house fire in Gilbert. According to Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher, the victim has been identified as 74-year-old Luther Vern Price. Emergency crews were called to the fire shortly before 8 a.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2025. The blaze occurred in the 300 block of Schofield Road, just off Highway 1, a residential area of Gilbert.
Firefighters with Lexington County Fire Service responded quickly and worked to contain the flames. Once the fire was brought under control, crews searched the residence and discovered Price’s body inside the home. Sadly, despite emergency efforts, Price could not be saved.
Officials confirmed that an autopsy has been scheduled for Monday, September 15, to determine the precise cause of death. While the fire itself is being examined as part of the broader investigation, it is not yet clear whether Price died directly from the flames or from related causes such as smoke inhalation.
The case remains under active investigation by multiple agencies. The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department is working in coordination with the Lexington County Fire Service, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Coroner’s Office. Each agency is contributing expertise in fire scene analysis, forensic examination, and law enforcement procedure to determine how the fire began and whether foul play or negligence played a role.
Officials have not released any details about the possible origin of the fire or whether it is being treated as suspicious. Investigators are expected to spend the coming days reviewing evidence from the scene, interviewing potential witnesses or neighbors, and examining the structure for signs of electrical failure, accidental ignition, or intentional causes.
Residents in the surrounding neighborhood expressed shock at the tragedy. House fires in the area are relatively uncommon, and the presence of multiple investigating agencies underscored the seriousness with which the case is being handled.
The Lexington County Coroner’s Office emphasized that identifying the victim and scheduling the autopsy are key steps in both the investigative and closure processes. For Price’s family, the confirmation provides certainty about their loss, even as many questions remain unanswered about how the fire began.
Price’s death is a solemn reminder of the risks fires pose, particularly to older residents who may face greater challenges escaping quickly in emergencies. Safety officials often encourage homeowners, especially seniors, to maintain smoke detectors, have fire extinguishers readily available, and establish escape plans.
As of now, the official cause of the fire has not been released. The community will likely await updates from the involved agencies once investigative findings are complete.
For now, authorities continue their work, while family, friends, and neighbors grieve the loss of Luther Vern Price, whose life tragically ended in a blaze that consumed his home early Saturday morning.
