By Ryan Seals
The News & Record
WENTWORTH, N.C. — An elderly Wentworth couple died after being unable to escape when their house caught fire early Tuesday, authorities said.
The couple, whose names have not been released, were found dead inside the home at 2830 Ashley Loop by firefighters after they put out the blaze.
According to tax records and neighbors, the home was owned by Sammy and Mary Frances Young, who were in their early 80s. A neighbor said the couple lived alone.
The fire was spotted about 4:50 a.m. by Rockingham Deputy Johnny Flynn, who was driving along Ashley Loop, according to the sheriff’s office.
The deputy called the fire department before pounding on the door to alert anyone inside, said Tommy Curry, deputy fire marshal for Rockingham County. The deputy was unable to get inside the two-story home because of the intense flames and heat.
Curry said firefighters arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters were able to enter the house but had to back out because it was unstable.
Once the fire was out, firefighters found both victims.
“They had moved out of their bedroom,” Curry said. “It appears as if they were trying to get out.”
Curry said it is unclear whether the home had working smoke detectors.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though Curry said it appears accidental.
The house was left uninhabitable, with only a damaged shell still intact.
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