Couple Lamar Beckwith and Catherine Beckwith killed in Fayetteville house fire

Mar 15, 2015 - 20:13
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Couple Lamar Beckwith and Catherine Beckwith killed in Fayetteville house fire
Lamar Beckwith and his 88-year-old wife, Catherine

An elderly Fayetteville couple died in a horrific house fire Saturday afteoon, that stunned and saddened neighbors.

94-year-old Lamar Beckwith and his 88-year-old wife, Catherine had lived in the home in the

Clairmont subdivision for about 15 years.

"She's just a delight. She does things for the neighborhood," neighbor and friend Donna Baker told

FOX 5. "Just a really sweet, sweet caring person."

Neighbors began calling 911 just before 2pm Saturday afteoon. Fayetteville Fire Department Chief, Alan Jones says his crews found a massive fire right away, that appeared to have started in the back of the house. Within minutes, there was an explosion.

"My neighbor said they felt the house shaking," Gerald Arrington, who lives in the next subdivision, says.

Investigators say the explosion was likely caused by flames reaching a propane tank in the attic. They tell reporters the cause of the fire appears to be electrical. 

"We have no indication at this time, that it's anything other than accidental," Chief Jones says.

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.