Kentucky State Police Investigate Fatal Structure Fire in Louisa

The back door was removed in an effort to get to the victims of this morning’s fire that killed one and badly injured another. A dryer is suspected to have malfunctioned and started the fire but that has not been confirmed.

LOUISA, Ky. (June 23, 2023) – .On June 23, 2023 at approximately 0830 hours, Kentucky State Police, Post 14, received a call from Lawrence County 911 in reference to a fatal structure fire.

After Troopers arrived on scene, it was determined that Terry L. Derossett DOB: 11-21-1956 had succumbed to smoke inhalation and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Another female victim was transported to Three Rivers Medical Center for treatment.

It appears that the fire began near a dryer and there is no foul play suspected.

The Kentucky State Police was assisted by Louisa Fire Department, Lawrence County Coroner’s Office and Kentucky State Fire Marshalls Office. The deceased will be sent to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner for an autopsy. The case remains under investigation by Trooper Bobby King.

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Next door neighbor Doug Ryland said the fire started in the rear of the house trailer and by the time he noticed the smoke, he could not get the door open. Louisa Police Chief Greg Fugitt arrived on the scene first and used a extinguisher but could not get close enough due to the heavy smoke.

Ryland said fire trucks and three ambulances arrived just after LVFD Chief Eddie Preston came to the scene and used equipment to attempt to revive the victim with no success. His legs appeared to be burned, Ryland said.

The female, Junenell May, who was rescued by the fire dept., was laying on a couch near the door. She had taken in a lot of smoke and was burned badly, he said. Both were found on the floor where they were attempting to crawl out.

Ms. May was taken to Three Rivers Medical Center and then transferred to Cabell Huntington Hospital where she is listed in critical condition, with burns over 40% of her body, Ryland said.