NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. — A Community Mourns After Devastating House Fire Claims Two Lives

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. — A Community Mourns After Devastating House Fire Claims Two Lives

NEWBERRY COUNTY, S.C. — Heartbreak has swept across Newberry County as the community mourns the tragic loss of two beloved residents whose lives were taken in a devastating house fire in the Silverstreet area. The Newberry County Coroner’s Office has identified the victims as 44-year-old April Nicole Sutton Long and 73-year-old Leroy Seegers, both remembered as kind, familiar faces in a tight-knit rural community where neighbors look out for one another.

The fire broke out late in the evening, engulfing the home with alarming speed and leaving residents shocked by the suddenness and severity of the tragedy. Fire crews from multiple stations rushed to the scene, battling intense flames that had already overtaken the structure. Despite their efforts, April Long and Leroy Seegers could not be saved. They were pronounced deceased after being removed from the home, marking a deeply sorrowful moment for all involved.

Coroner Laura Kneece confirmed their identities the following day, a somber announcement that swiftly circulated through Silverstreet and surrounding towns. As news spread, expressions of grief and disbelief poured in from friends, neighbors, and longtime acquaintances who are now grappling with the reality of losing two cherished members of their community.

April Nicole Sutton Long, known for her warm smile and caring heart, touched countless lives. Loved ones describe her as a person who always seemed to know when someone needed encouragement. Whether lending a listening ear, offering a helping hand, or showing up with a home-cooked meal, April had a way of making everyone feel valued and uplifted. She was devoted to her family, deeply rooted in her faith, and unwavering in her desire to bring comfort to others. Those who knew her say that kindness wasn’t just something she practiced—it was part of who she was.

Leroy Seegers, 73, was a beloved elder in the Silverstreet community, a man whose gentle nature and steady presence made him a respected and admired figure. Friends recall his lifelong dedication to hard work, his stories of days gone by, and his quiet sense of humor that eased even the toughest moments. Leroy often spent his time outdoors, tending to tasks around his property, chatting with neighbors, or sitting on the porch watching the world settle into evening. His passing leaves behind a profound void for those who loved him and relied on his wisdom.

In communities like Silverstreet, where relationships run deep and people have shared generations of memories, a tragedy of this magnitude is felt by everyone. Many residents have spoken of the overwhelming sense of loss—how two lives, distinct in their journeys yet intertwined in their connection to the community, were taken so unexpectedly. The tragedy has prompted heartfelt prayers, memorial gatherings, and an outpouring of support for the families now navigating unimaginable grief.

Local officials have begun investigating the cause of the fire, working to determine what sparked the blaze. Fire crews and investigators have emphasized the emotional toll such incidents take on first responders, who often know the very people they serve. For many of them, this loss feels deeply personal.

As Newberry County mourns together, neighbors are uniting around the families of April Long and Leroy Seegers—providing meals, offering comfort, and ensuring they are not facing this dark moment alone. The community’s strength and compassion are shining through even in the midst of heartbreak.

In the coming days, funeral arrangements and memorial details will be shared as loved ones prepare to honor two beautiful lives taken far too soon. For now, Silverstreet holds April and Leroy close in memory—remembering their kindness, their presence, and the countless ways they quietly enriched the lives around them.

Their legacies live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know them.