Sheriff: Saturday’s Fripp Island fire claimed life of 59-year-old man and dog

A Saturday fire on Fripp Island in Beaufort County that destroyed multiple homes also claimed the life of a man and a dog, authorities said.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said on Sunday it was investigating the deadly blaze on Bonito Road, which was reported at 10:15 a.m.

During the response by multiple fire departments, a 59-year-old man and a dog were found deceased inside one of the houses, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday. The Sheriff’s Office said the Coroner’s Office would release the man’s identity and the official cause of death following notification of next of kin.

Fripp Fire Chief Joshua Horton said Saturday The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been asked to help in investigating the blaze.

Residents and fire officials said Saturday the fire destroyed at least three houses and damaged others. The fire swept across the row of two-story houses, which are located side-by-side.

This story was originally published August 17, 2025 at 12:43 PM.

Karl Puckett

The Island Packet

843-256-3420

Karl Puckett covers the city of Beaufort, town of Port Royal and other communities north of the Broad River for The Beaufort Gazette and Island Packet. The Minnesota native also has worked at newspapers in his home state, Alaska, Wisconsin and Montana.