An elderly couple in South Carolina tragically lost their lives after their heater malfunctioned, causing the temperature in their home to reach a scorching 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius). The victims, identified as 84-year-old Joan Littlejohn and 82-year-old Glennwood Fowler, were discovered dead in their bedroom during a wellness check on January 6th.

Concerns were raised when the couple's family had not heard from them for three days after visiting to fix their heating system and water heater. The family believed they had resolved the issue, but unfortunately, this was not the case. Worried about their well-being, family members contacted the police, prompting the welfare check.

Upon arrival, officers were forced to enter the house through an unlocked window, where they were met with an intense heat. The responding officer immediately noticed the extreme temperature inside the residence. It was later revealed that the internal temperature of the house was still over 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) even after the windows and doors had been opened for 20 minutes to let in colder air.

Disturbingly, when paramedics attempted to measure the body temperatures of Littlejohn and Fowler, their devices recorded readings exceeding 106 degrees Fahrenheit (41.1 degrees Celsius), the maximum measurement limit. This indicated that the victims' bodies had surpassed a dangerously high temperature. According to Mayo Clinic, if the core body temperature exceeds 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius), immediate cooling and urgent medical attention are required.

Firefighters who arrived at the scene discovered that the heater in the basement appeared to be on fire. The device's internal temperature was estimated to have reached a staggering 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit (538 degrees Celsius). The fire department promptly deactivated the heater, preventing any further damage or risk.

Investigators and the Spartanburg County Coroner's Office are now focused on determining the exact cause of death. The coroner, Rusty Clevenger, expressed concern over the excessively high temperature in the house but stated that no foul play was detected. Carbon dioxide levels were also found to be within acceptable limits.

The couple's family revealed that they had attempted to assist with the heating issue by “fiddling” with the hot water heater, which they believed was not functioning correctly. The family members left the home after they managed to ignite a pilot light by manipulating a wire. Tragically, their efforts were not enough to prevent the devastating outcome.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper maintenance and vigilance when it comes to heating systems. Authorities are urging homeowners to seek professional assistance for any issues and to prioritize their safety, especially during extreme weather conditions. The investigation into the cause of the heater malfunction and the subsequent deaths of Littlejohn and Fowler is ongoing.