News Summary
An investigation into a house fire on Hilton Head Island that claimed the lives of Katherine Condie and her dog Hudson remains inconclusive. The fire, which occurred in December, has left the community grappling with loss and seeking answers. Despite numerous potential ignition sources being explored, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has yet to establish a definitive cause. Community members have shown overwhelming support through fundraising efforts for the victims’ families as they continue to seek clarity and healing from this tragic incident.
Hilton Head Island – An investigation into a tragic house fire on Hilton Head Island in early December 2024 has yet to determine the cause of the blaze that resulted in the deaths of Katherine Condie and a dog named Hudson. The fire occurred on December 4, 2024, and has left the community in mourning as they remember Condie, who was pet-sitting for homeowners Kate Boardman and Tyler Love, while they were away on a trip.
More than six months after the incident, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) announced that they have not reached a conclusion regarding the cause of the fire. The investigation has been complicated by the severe damage caused by the flames, which left the structure of the home unstable and hindered immediate assessment.
Fire officials revealed that there were several potential sources of ignition that investigators are currently examining. These sources include the outside electrical service entering the garage, a propane tank on a grill, and a gas fireplace. However, it was noted that neighbors reported the pilot light for the fireplace was turned off prior to the homeowners’ departure, which raises questions about the likelihood of the fireplace being a potential ignition source.
Additionally, a neighbor reported seeing headlights near the property shortly before the fire broke out, but this lead did not provide clarity on the fire’s origin. Emergency responders arrived at the scene at approximately 10:35 p.m. on December 4, where they found the three-story home fully engulfed in flames. The intensity of the fire not only claimed the life of Condie and her dog but also caused damage to two adjacent properties, although those structures remained habitable after the event.
In the aftermath of the fire, there has been an outpouring of support for the victims through a GoFundMe campaign established to assist with funeral arrangements for Katherine Condie and provide aid to homeowners Boardman and Love. The fundraising effort has successfully raised over $80,000 out of a targeted goal of $125,000, reflecting the community’s response to this tragic incident.
The investigation is being conducted jointly with assistance from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue services. Investigators continue to sift through evidence, seeking answers that remain elusive six months later. Community members have expressed their sorrow and frustration, hoping for clarity surrounding the incident that took two lives and deeply affected those who knew Condie.
As investigators work to establish a timeline and gather more information, the case remains open as the community mourns the loss of Condie and seeks healing from the devastating impact of the fire. The families affected continue to navigate this challenging period, hoping that further investigations will shed light on the events leading to the fire.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with home fires and the importance of safety measures to prevent such tragedies. As more information becomes available, it is anticipated that the community will rally to support one another in the healing process.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: SLED Investigation into Deadly 2024 Hilton Head Fire
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- WJCL: Hilton Head Island Sea Pines Fire
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island fire
- Island Packet: Local Crime and Fire News
- Google Scholar: Hilton Head Island fire
- WSAV: House Fire on Hilton Head Island Claims Owner & Dog
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Safety
- Island Packet: Additional Local Crime News
- Google News: Hilton Head fire tragedy
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
