From The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office: The victim has been identified through the Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office as Charles Edward Hodges IV, 34 years of age. The cause of death was determined to be smoke inhalation.
Previously: The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 center received a call for a fully involved structure fire at approximately 8:30 am this morning (November 28) from residents near 330 Crafts Ford Court, which is located in the Wirtz community at Smith Mountain Lake. Original reports stated that there may be a person inside the home. The Franklin County Sheriff’s office as well as fire departments from Scruggs, Burnt Chimney, Glade Hill, Smith Mountain Lake Marine, and Franklin County Public Safety responded and found a single story structure with heavy flames and smoke coming from building. Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire by 9:30 but the home was a total loss. Fire Investigators did locate and recover a body from the home at 12:25 today. The identity of the victim is being withheld until the medical examiners can confirm the victim’s identity and determine a cause of death. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation into the death of the victim. Franklin County Public Safety is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
