Orangeburg County, January 4, 2026

The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office is investigating two tragic deaths that occurred over the weekend, including a pedestrian fatality and a fatal house fire. Emoni Nicole Chaplin, 27, was struck by a vehicle, and Lisa Cheeseboro, 58, died in a house fire. Both incidents have prompted thorough investigations by local authorities to determine the causes of these unfortunate events.

Orangeburg County, South Carolina – The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office is currently investigating two distinct deaths that occurred over the weekend, underscoring the vital role of meticulous inquiry in the community. These separate incidents, involving a pedestrian fatality and a fatal house fire, have prompted ongoing investigations by local authorities to determine the precise circumstances surrounding each loss of life. Sean Fogle, the Orangeburg County Coroner, is overseeing both investigations as his office works to ascertain the cause and manner of death in each case.

Pedestrian Fatality Under Investigation

One of the investigations centers on the death of Emoni Nicole Chaplin, a 27-year-old resident of Orangeburg. Chaplin was pronounced dead at the scene on Saturday, January 3, 2026, after being struck by a vehicle on John C. Calhoun Drive in Orangeburg. The incident occurred between U.S. 601 (Magnolia Street) and Medford Street.

The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety received notifications from drivers reporting a person believed to be lying in the roadway around 2:45 a.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of the victim. Authorities have identified the driver involved in the collision as a 43-year-old man, who is currently described as a suspect. This individual returned to the scene approximately 30 minutes after the initial incident. As of now, the name of the suspect and any potential charges have not been publicly disclosed. The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office continues its investigation into both the specific cause and the manner of Chaplin’s death.

Fatal House Fire Leads to Second Investigation

In a separate and unrelated incident, the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office is also investigating a fatal house fire that occurred on Saturday morning, January 3, 2026. The victim has been identified as 58-year-old Lisa Cheeseboro. This tragic event marks the second fire-related death in Orangeburg County for the year 2026.

Emergency crews from the Orangeburg County Fire District were dispatched to the 400 block of Gospel Hill Court around 2 a.m. on Saturday following multiple 911 calls reporting a significant fire. Callers indicated that a home was fully engulfed in flames and there was a possibility of someone still being inside. Firefighters located Cheeseboro during a second search of the premises, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy for Lisa Cheeseboro is scheduled for the upcoming week to provide further insights into her death.

Due to the death involved in the fire, multiple agencies have become involved in the investigation. The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Orangeburg County Fire District investigators, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Arson Team were all notified. SLED is leading the ongoing investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire, which remains undetermined at this time. The Pine Hill, Bolentown, and Cordova fire departments, along with Orangeburg Emergency Medical Services and the State Fire office, also responded to the scene.

Earlier Fire-Related Death in Orangeburg County

The earlier fire-related death in Orangeburg County for 2026, which occurred on Thursday, January 1, 2026, involved 71-year-old Krzysztof Glomski. Coroner Fogle reported that Glomski experienced a cardiac event while attempting to extinguish an outdoor fire that had become uncontrollable in the Springfield area.

The Role of the Coroner’s Office

The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office plays a critical role in investigating deaths that are sudden, suspicious, or unnatural. The office is responsible for conducting on-site investigations, examining the deceased, reviewing relevant medical records and toxicology reports, notifying next-of-kin, and issuing death certificates. These investigations are essential for understanding the circumstances of a death, providing answers to families, and supporting law enforcement.

Sean Fogle assumed the office of Orangeburg County Coroner in January 2025, bringing over two decades of experience in medicolegal death investigations. The Coroner’s Office also saw significant upgrades in its facilities in 2024, enhancing its capabilities for quicker and more thorough investigations.

As these two separate investigations proceed, authorities emphasize their commitment to a comprehensive review of all available evidence to ensure accurate findings and provide clarity to the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two separate deaths currently being investigated by the Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office?

The Orangeburg County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death of Emoni Nicole Chaplin, a 27-year-old Orangeburg resident who died after being struck by a vehicle, and the death of Lisa Cheeseboro, a 58-year-old victim of a house fire.

When did Emoni Nicole Chaplin’s death occur?

Emoni Nicole Chaplin died on Saturday, January 3, 2026.

Where did Emoni Nicole Chaplin’s death take place?

Emoni Nicole Chaplin was struck by a vehicle on John C. Calhoun Drive in Orangeburg, between U.S. 601 (Magnolia Street) and Medford Street.

Is the driver involved in Emoni Nicole Chaplin’s death considered a suspect?

Yes, the 43-year-old driver involved in the collision that killed Emoni Nicole Chaplin is currently described as a suspect.

When did Lisa Cheeseboro’s death occur?

Lisa Cheeseboro died on Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, in a house fire.

Where did Lisa Cheeseboro’s death take place?

Lisa Cheeseboro died in a house fire that occurred in the 400 block of Gospel Hill Court in Orangeburg County.

Is the cause of the fire that killed Lisa Cheeseboro known?

No, the cause of the fire that killed Lisa Cheeseboro has not been determined and is under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Arson Team.

Who is the Orangeburg County Coroner?

The Orangeburg County Coroner is Sean Fogle.

Key Features of the Investigations

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