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Elderly couple killed in Lee County fire

Published October 5th, 2009 | 0 Comments

FLATWOODS — An elderly couple were found dead by rescue crews Friday evening after a fire gutted their home in Lee County’s Flatwoods community.

The blaze began about 5 p.m., completely destroying the single-story house, which belonged to Paris A. Thomas, 77, and Shirley D. Thomas, 70, Route 2, Box 546, Rose Hill.

The identities of the victims have not been officially released, however the Times-News has been able to confirm that the husband and wife died in their home Friday.

Funeral arrangements for the couple have already been made, as well.

Investigators said they are holding off on officially releasing the identities until the medical examiner has made a determination.

“The bodies have not been identified at this time, so we’re not releasing the names,” said E.W. Isaacs, special agent for the Virginia State Police’s Criminal Bureau of Investigation. “We’re pretty sure, but the medical examiner hasn’t confirmed who it is yet.”

The bodies have been sent to Roanoke for autopsy, he said, and it could be weeks before a positive identification is made.

After fighting the blaze for just over an hour, crews from the Jonesville and Thomas Walker volunteer fire departments discovered the bodies about 6:30 p.m.

Although the cause of the fire has not been determined at this time, Isaacs said it apparently began in the bedroom used by the home’s occupants.

The house was reportedly equipped with smoke detectors, he said, but no evidence of them remains due to the nature of the fire.

The VSP’s investigation into the blaze remains open, Isaacs said, although no foul play is expected.

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