Delphine Manning Obituary, Death – Authorities in Dillon County have released the identity of the woman who lost her life in a house fire late Wednesday evening. According to Dillon County Coroner Donnie Grimsley, the victim has been identified as 65-year-old Delphine Manning, who lived at the residence where the blaze occurred.
The fatal fire broke out at Manning’s home on West Cleveland Street, a location that quickly became the center of an emergency response as police, fire crews, and county officials rushed to the scene. Despite efforts to control the flames and secure the property, responders discovered Manning had not survived the incident. Her death has since prompted a multi-agency investigation to determine what caused the fire and the circumstances surrounding her final moments.
Coroner Grimsley reported that Manning’s remains will be transported to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where a full autopsy will be conducted. This examination is expected to provide additional details about her cause of death, including whether she suffered injuries related to smoke inhalation, burns, or other factors commonly associated with residential fires. Autopsy results typically play a key role in confirming the manner of death and can help investigators understand how quickly the fire spread and whether Manning had any opportunity to escape.
The investigation involves several agencies working collectively to piece together what happened at the West Cleveland Street home. The Dillon Police Department and the Dillon Fire Department were among the first to arrive at the scene Wednesday night, securing the area and extinguishing the flames before beginning initial assessments. Fire departments often assist with identifying the fire’s point of origin, checking for potential hazards, and preserving any evidence that might indicate whether the blaze started accidentally or under uncertain circumstances.
The Dillon County Coroner’s Office, which is responsible for confirming the victim’s identity and overseeing the autopsy process, continues to work closely with law enforcement. Additionally, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has joined the investigation. SLED’s involvement is standard protocol in many fatal fire cases, especially when the cause is not immediately clear or when additional expertise is required in examining structural damage, fire patterns, or potential criminal activity.
Investigators are expected to examine multiple factors, including electrical systems, heating equipment, and any flammable materials that may have been present inside the home. They may also interview neighbors, review 911 call logs, and analyze the sequence of events leading up to the fire. At this stage, officials have not released any information suggesting foul play, but they emphasize that all possibilities must be thoroughly evaluated before conclusions can be drawn.
The death of Delphine Manning has deeply affected the local community, particularly those who knew her personally or lived nearby. Residential fires are often sudden and devastating, and incidents like this serve as a reminder of how quickly dangerous situations can develop, especially during nighttime hours. As investigators continue their work, community members may look to local authorities for updates on what may have caused the deadly blaze.
Coroner Grimsley stated that additional information will be shared when available, once the autopsy is complete and investigators have gathered more details. Until then, the case remains open, with multiple agencies working diligently to understand the events that led to the tragic loss of life on West Cleveland Street.
