Officials in Richland County have identified a man who died following a house fire early Friday morning.
According to the Richland County Coroner’s Office, the victim was 60-year-old Todd M. Hackett of Hopkins, South Carolina. Coroner Naida Rutherford confirmed the identification and stated that her office is working alongside fire authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 5:40 a.m. to a reported structure fire in the 500 block of Harmon Road. When firefighters arrived, they encountered a significant fire affecting the residence.
Authorities said crews entered the home and worked through the structure while bringing the situation under control. During a search of the property, firefighters located an unresponsive individual inside and removed him from the home.
The Richland County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene shortly afterward. Officials confirmed the death and began standard procedures as part of the investigation.
The fire was later extinguished, and the cause has not yet been determined. The Richland County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading the investigation, with assistance from other local agencies.
Authorities say updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
