Body Found in Untouched Area During Charlotte Apartment Fire

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Firefighters responding to a blaze at an apartment complex in east Charlotte on Wednesday morning discovered a body in an area unaffected by the fire. The fire caused damage to nine units, and one person was injured, but officials have not yet determined if the person's death was suspicious.

Why it matters

This incident raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the person's death and whether it is connected to the apartment fire. Authorities will need to investigate further to determine the cause of death and if there are any suspicious factors involved.

The details

Firefighters were called to the apartments on Sharon Chase Drive around 6:45 a.m. on January 28th. When they arrived, heavy flames were already visible from the outside of the building. Crews were able to extinguish the fire within about 25 minutes, but not before nine units were damaged. Officials said one person was hurt during the fire, and the Red Cross was helping those whose units were damaged. However, a body was also found, though it was in an area unrelated to the fire. Authorities have not yet determined how the person died or if the death seems suspicious.

• Firefighters were called to the apartment complex around 6:45 a.m. on January 28, 2026.
• The fire was extinguished within about 25 minutes of the firefighters' arrival.

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the person's death to determine if it is connected to the apartment fire or if there are any suspicious factors involved.