Cynthia Hess Obituary, Death: Warren County woman dies in burn pit accident.
Cynthia Hess Obituary, Death – A Warren County woman, Cynthia Hess, 58, died after suffering severe burns in a backyard fire pit accident, according to officials. Fire crews responded to a report of an explosion on Greenfield Drive just before 8 p.m. Monday and found Hess with burns covering 90% of her body. She was rushed to West Chester Hospital and later airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries early Tuesday.
Authorities, including the Deerfield Township Fire Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and State Fire Marshal’s Office, are investigating the incident. Preliminary findings suggest Hess was burning wood in the pit when the fire unexpectedly flared up. Fire Captain Patrick Strausbaugh stated there was no evidence of foul play or involvement from another person, confirming Hess was home alone at the time.
Investigators do not believe an actual explosion occurred, as the fire pit was about 60 feet from the house, and no surrounding structures were damaged. However, a neighbor reported hearing a loud noise and seeing a plume of black smoke while driving nearby. He ran to Hess’s home, found her engulfed in flames, and tried to put the fire out, suffering burns to his hands in the process. Emergency responders treated his injuries on-site.
Officials are still determining whether Hess used any flammable liquids, with test results pending. The fire department urged residents to burn only clean, dry wood and avoid using ignitable fluids in fire pits. Authorities continue to investigate the tragic accident.
