Charlotte, N.C., January 29, 2026
Authorities in Charlotte are investigating a tragic incident following an apartment fire, where a deceased individual was discovered. Officials confirmed that the death was not caused by the fire itself. Firefighters responded to the scene on Sharon Chase Drive early in the morning, managing to control the flames. While no significant injuries were reported among residents, the structure was severely damaged, leaving nine units uninhabitable. Two separate investigations are underway, with one focused on the fire’s cause and the other on the death of the individual.
Charlotte, N.C. – Authorities discovered a deceased individual after an apartment fire in east Charlotte early Wednesday morning, but officials have confirmed that the death was not directly caused by the blaze. Charlotte Fire crews responded to the incident on Sharon Chase Drive, where they found a person dead, prompting a separate investigation into the circumstances of the fatality. The body showed signs of decomposition, indicating the individual had died before the fire erupted.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
The fire department received the call around 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, regarding a fire at a two-story apartment complex located in the 4400 block of Sharon Chase Drive. Upon arrival, emergency responders encountered heavy flames emanating from the building. Firefighters promptly began evacuation procedures for residents, bringing the fire under control approximately 20 to 30 minutes later, by 7:00 a.m. or shortly after.
During the process of extinguishing the fire and securing the scene, crews made the somber discovery of a deceased person within the apartment complex. Officials were quick to emphasize that the individual’s death did not appear to be a direct result of the fire itself. The decomposed state of the body further suggested that the death occurred prior to the fire’s commencement.
Impact on Residents and Ongoing Support
While one life was tragically lost, fire officials reported no other significant injuries to residents or firefighters directly from the fire. However, one person was treated at the scene for minor injuries, and another individual was transported to a hospital for further medical evaluation.
The structural integrity and safety of the building were significantly compromised by the fire, rendering nine apartment units uninhabitable. In the aftermath, the American Red Cross and the Charlotte Fire Department are actively coordinating efforts to provide assistance and support to the displaced residents.
Dual Investigations Underway
This incident has triggered a two-pronged investigation due to the unique nature of the discovery. The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force is diligently working to determine the origin and cause of the apartment fire. Simultaneously, detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) have initiated a separate inquiry into the death of the individual found at the scene. Their objective is to meticulously piece together the events that led to the person’s death, which has been deemed unrelated to the fire itself.
When a fatality occurs within the context of a fire, especially when the death is deemed unrelated to the fire itself, it typically triggers a multi-agency response. This process ensures a thorough examination of all aspects, treating the death as a separate incident that requires its own comprehensive inquiry by law enforcement, while fire investigators focus on the blaze. Both investigations remain ongoing, and authorities have not yet released details regarding the identity of the deceased person or the exact cause of death. Similarly, the specific cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Eyewitness Account
A resident living in an apartment directly above where the fire originated recounted hearing disturbances prior to the emergency. The resident described hearing yelling “throughout the night” and, around 6:51 a.m. on Wednesday, heard a man shouting to “Call 911.” As smoke began to fill the stairwell, the resident experienced difficulty escaping the building, highlighting the rapid spread of smoke in such incidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in east Charlotte on Wednesday morning?
Authorities discovered a deceased individual after an apartment fire in east Charlotte early Wednesday morning, but officials have confirmed that the death was not directly caused by the blaze.
When did the fire occur?
The fire department received the call around 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
Where was the fire located?
The fire occurred at an apartment complex located in the 4400 block of Sharon Chase Drive in east Charlotte.
Was the death caused by the fire?
Officials have confirmed that the death was not directly caused by the blaze. The body showed signs of decomposition, indicating the individual had died before the fire erupted.
How many units were affected by the fire?
Nine apartment units were rendered uninhabitable by the fire.
Which agencies are investigating the incident?
The Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force is investigating the cause of the fire, while detectives from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) are investigating the death.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | 4400 block of Sharon Chase Drive, east Charlotte, N.C. |
| Date/Time of Fire | Wednesday, January 28, 2026, around 6:40 a.m. |
| Deceased Person Found | One individual |
| Cause of Death | Not tied to the fire; body was decomposed, suggesting pre-fire death. |
| Other Injuries | One person treated at the scene, one taken to hospital. |
| Units Impacted | Nine apartment units (uninhabitable) |
| Investigating Agencies | Charlotte Fire Investigation Task Force (fire cause), Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (death investigation) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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