One person has died as a result of a wildfire in hard-hit Hutchinson County, a county official said Wednesday afternoon.
“We do have one confirmed fatality from the Scotts Acres (neighborhood in Stinnett),” Hutchinson County Public Engagement Coordinator Deidra Thomas said.
While Thomas didn’t identify the victim, the family of Joyce Blankenship, 83, told CNN she died at her house in Stinnett.
Blankenship’s step-grandson, Lee Quesada, said she was well-known and beloved in the small community. Her husband, Jimmy, died in 2015.
“She used to be a substitute teacher in the area before she became a housewife while Jimmy worked at the local Phillips refinery,” Quesada said. “She will be missed by all.”
Her other grandson, Nathan Blankenship, told CNN he and his father tried calling her several times on Tuesday as a massive fire swept through the area but recieved no response. The next day, they recieved news that she had died.
“The house was gone,” Nathan Blankenship said. “There was no way she could’ve gotten out.”
Nathan recalled fond memories of his grandparents at the house, where he often stayed as his father worked long shifts. Joyce would get him ready for school many mornings, he said.
“She has been my biggest proponent, sticking up for me,” he said. “She was my biggest advocate.”
The pair last spoke on February 19 when Nathan called to check in on her.
“I got to hear I love you one last time,” he said.
Thomas earlier Wednesday said fire had destroyed at least 20 structures in Stinnett.