Vallonia woman dies in fire

By ZACH SPICER

VALLONIA - A fire at a two-story lakeside home on Starve Hollow Lake claimed the life of a woman Tuesday afternoon.

 Jackson County Sheriff's Department Detective Rob Henley said the fire began around noon Tuesday at 4517 S. County Road 275W near Vallonia. Bonnie Visty was found inside the home, and police said she died of smoke inhalation.

 Henley said the investigation was just beginning, and the cause has not yet been determined. Officials from the state fire marshal's office and Jackson County Coroner Andy Rumph were on the scene Tuesday afternoon. Henley said Rumph would be in charge of the death investigation.

 The fire began in the bedroom, where Visty was found.

 People in a recreational vehicle next to the house were the ones who called in the fire, said Pastor Michael Hogg of Brownstown Christian Church, where Visty was a member.

 "They were here on spring break and they spotted the fire," Hogg said

 "They saw smoke initially and thought it was from the chimney, and they left to go to Salem, and when they returned the house was fully involved," Henley added.

 Firefighters from Driftwood Township and Brownstown volunteer fire departments responded to the scene.

 "It is still under investigation and will be for a while," Henley said Tuesday afternoon.  "(Firefighters) will be here until late this evening watching for rekindles and assisting the fire marshal's office the entire time."

 Hogg said Visty's daughter, Sherri Anderson, had just called and checked on her mother Tuesday morning. Hogg said Visty lived alone after her husband, George Visty, died a few years ago.

 "She cared for him for several years after he had strokes," Hogg said. "I don't think she ever got over the loss."

For the full story, see Wednesday's edition of The Tribune and watch TribTown.com for updates.

ORIGINAL POST:

Jackson County Sheriff Marc Lahrman confirmed just before 6 p.m. Tuesday that a rural Vallonia woman was found dead in in burned home.

"We did respond to a fire near Starve Hollow Lake, and we did locate a victim inside," Lahrman said.

More information will be release later.

For the full story, see Wednesday's edition of The Tribune and watch TribTown.com for updates.