John Robert Simpson, Anderson County, SC ,Death, Obituary

John Robert Simpson, a 27-year-old resident of Piedmont, South Carolina, died Wednesday night after a backyard grass fire led to severe smoke inhalation, authorities confirmed. The Anderson County Coroner’s Office is investigating the incident.

At approximately 6:40 p.m., emergency personnel were dispatched to a residence on Grantham Road for reports of a grass fire that had spread beyond control. Simpson was treated on site for respiratory distress and transported to Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. Despite medical intervention, he was pronounced dead around 8:00 p.m.

Officials determined that the cause of death was an exacerbation of asthma brought on by smoke inhalation and ruled the death accidental. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the fire’s origin.

As loved ones mourn this tragic loss, officials are reminding residents to exercise caution when managing outdoor fires. The family has indicated that funeral and memorial arrangements will be shared at a later time.