IRMO, S.C. — The Lexington County Coroner's Office has identified the man who died in a Saturday evening apartment fire in Irmo that also injured a police officer. Meanwhile, the Irmo Police chief is honoring his officer for braving the flames in an attempt to save the man.
In a statement, Irmo Police said the fire happened at Irmo Village, an apartment complex located on Chipwood Court at Irmo Drive, around 7:20 p.m.
Police said an officer, later identified as Senior Corporal Christopher Kaderly, was among the first at the scene, locating the burning apartment and going inside. Police said the officer found someone inside and removed him from the apartment; however, that person later died.
On Sunday, Lexington County Coroner Margaret Fisher identified the victim as 45-year-old James Ray Wright II. He was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 4, at 11 a.m. at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Cpl. Kaderly was also injured in the incident and taken to Prisma Health Baptist Parkridge Hospital. Irmo Police said the officer was treated and later released.
In a statement, Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale praised his officer's actions.
"Kaderly showed courage by entering a burning building in an attempt to save an individual's life at great risk to his own," Dale said. "I am proud of him and his bravery was truly impressive during the incident.”
The Irmo Police Department, Irmo Fire District and Lexington County Coroner's Office are investigating the fire and the death that followed.
