Man, Two Grandsons Killed in S.C. House Fire

Jan. 11--An investigation is continuing Wednesday morning into a house fire that killed a man and his two grandchildren in Horry County, according to authorities.

Hugh Elliott, 85, and his grandsons, Austin Daniel Elliott, 9, and Conner Lynn Elliott, 7, died in the fire, said Horry County Deputy Coroner Tony Hendrick. Autopsies on the trio are set to be performed Wednesday afternoon at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center.

Firefighters were called at 12:37 a.m. Wednesday to 3540 Lake Pond Road, which is located off Highway 19 near Loris, said Leslie Yancey, public information officer for Horry County Fire Rescue.

When firefighters arrived at the house, which was a double-wide mobile home, was 50 to 60 percent consumed with fire, she said. Horry County police are called to the scene of any fatal fire in the county as part of a standard procedure during the investigation.

"During the initial stages of the investigation, there were no obvious signs of foul play or arson," said Sgt. Robert Kegler of the Horry County Police Department. "However, violent crimes detective with the Horry County Police Department, as part of police department protocol, will continue to investigate."

Horry County Fire Investigator Bill Martin said investigators are centering their search for the cause in the living room area, which is in the front of the home.

"Making an exact determination will be difficult because of the extensive severe damage to the home," Martin said.

Most of the home's walls, floors and roof were destroyed by the fire. A couple of walls remained standing in the rear of the home.

The boys attended Green Sea Floyds Elementary School where Conner was a second-grader and Austin a fourth-grader, said Teal Britton, Horry County Schools spokeswoman. Counselors and support staff will be at the school to talk with classmates and teachers.

"Extra support will be in place at the school as long as needed," Britton said.

It is too early for school officials to discuss any type of memorial or tribute to the students, but Britton said that will likely be decided at a later date.

Members of the Loris Fire Department provided mutual aid to Horry County firefighters during the incident.

More details will be posted as they become available.

Contact TONYA ROOT at 444-1723.