Homeless man dies in a fire at a vacant house in Columbus, Muscogee coroner says

A man has died after a house fire over the weekend in Columbus, according to officials.

The victim has been identified as 54-year-old Yancer Horton, who died in a fire at a vacant house early Sunday in the 2700 block of Peabody Avenue, according to Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan.

Horton was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. Sunday at a local hospital, according to Bryan.

Bryan said Horton was homeless and frequently stayed in that house. Horton was found inside the house and died due to asphyxiation, according to Bryan.

Columbus Fire & EMS Division Chief John Shull said the cause of the fire was accidental. Officials didn’t immediately confirm what time the fire happened or when Horton was pronounced dead.

There were at least four fires between Saturday night and Sunday morning, according to officials. Shull said the fire department was not considering any of the fires arson as of Monday morning.

This story was originally published November 18, 2024 at 12:28 PM.