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Woman dies from smoke inhalation in Columbus fire, coroner says

By Kelby Hutchison

Updated January 31, 2026 9:55 PM

Muscogee County Coroner Buddy Bryan has identified the victim of a house fire Thursday in Columbus.

Bryan said Janice Ferguson, 74, died in the fire in the 5600 block of Lexington Drive.

Ferguson died from smoke inhalation, according to Bryan. Ferguson’s body will not be sent to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for an autopsy, he said.

Bryan said the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is thought to have started in the kitchen.

This story was originally published January 29, 2026 at 4:27 PM.

Kelby Hutchison

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Kelby Hutchison is the breaking news reporter for the Ledger-Enquirer. Originally from Dothan, Alabama, Kelby grew up frequently visiting Columbus to eat at Country’s BBQ in the old Greyhound bus station and at Clearview BBQ on River Road. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in criminal justice and a M.A. in journalism. During his studies, Kelby specialized in community journalism.

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