The Habersham County Coroner’s Office has released a preliminary identification of the victim of Monday’s fatal fire in Habersham County.
“Although the deceased person found inside of a burning home in yesterday’s tragic house fire on Heads Ferry Road is believed to be that of Ms. Cynthia Claybon, the occupant of the home, further testing will have to be conducted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Lab Division in Decatur to determine positive identification,” said Habersham County Coroner Kasey McEntire.
The 64-year-old woman, who was renting the 4,367-foot, two-story home at 1689 Heads Ferry Road, Cornelia, had been in a second-floor bedroom at the time of the fire, according to Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King.
Eyewitnesses told investigators the fire started on the home’s main level.
The victim's body was found in fire debris in the basement of the burning house.
Habersham County Emergency Services Director Chad Black said there is no indication that there is anything suspicious about the fire. He also said the victim lived alone in the house with a dog, but firefighters at last report had been unable to locate the pet.
“We are thankful for the bravery and hard work shown by Habersham County officials in this case,” King said.
The State Fire Investigations Unit is assisting Habersham County Emergency Services and Habersham County Sheriff’s Office with the ongoing investigation.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2020/10/948590/house-fire-near-chattahoochee-river-claims-life-of-cornelia-woman