Pleasant Hill, SC (April 17, 2025) – Emergency responders were quick to the scene, providing care to the injured victims following a tragic house fire on Old Camden Hwy in Lancaster County. The fire was reported around 8:05 a.m. on Wednesday, prompting a swift and coordinated response from local fire departments and emergency medical personnel.

Upon arrival, firefighters located a 6-year-old girl inside the residence. Despite efforts to rescue and revive her, the child was pronounced dead after being transported to a nearby hospital. The heartbreaking incident has left the community in mourning.

Authorities have not yet confirmed what may have caused the fire, and the investigation remains ongoing as of Thursday morning. Officials are working to determine whether any structural, electrical, or external factors contributed to the blaze.

Our hearts go out to the family affected by this devastating loss, and we extend our deepest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.

Fire Safety Awareness in South Carolina Homes

Tragic incidents like the fire on Old Camden Hwy serve as stark reminders of the dangers residential fires pose, especially to vulnerable individuals such as young children. In South Carolina, local fire marshals continue to stress the importance of fire safety preparedness, particularly in rural and residential areas where access to immediate firefighting resources may be limited.

House fires can escalate rapidly, often becoming life-threatening within minutes. Working smoke detectors on every level of a home, especially near sleeping areas, is one of the most critical defenses against fatal fires. Families are also encouraged to establish and practice emergency exit plans regularly so that everyone in the household knows how to evacuate safely.

In addition to preventative measures, community awareness and early education about fire hazards can play a key role in reducing fire-related fatalities. Local organizations and fire departments often offer resources, safety checks, and educational events aimed at helping residents create safer home environments.

As the investigation continues into this heartbreaking fire, it serves as a powerful call for renewed focus on household fire prevention across South Carolina.

For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.

“She is a once-in-a-lifetime athlete,” said Camden High girls’ basketball coach Natalie Norris. Joyce Edwards wasn’t just another good player. Camden, South Carolina, had seen its share of great athletes. But no one had the buzz she did. A school-wide assembly—complete with a marching band, cheerleaders, and the school mascot—was held at Camden High to honor Edwards as she received her McDonald’s All-American jersey. It was a historic moment, probably the first-ever in the school.

Camden had produced NFL stars like Vonnie Holliday, Charles Bennett, and Bobby Engram. But, Edwards was something else. “It is a true testament to the historic greatness of her career,” Norris said. Months in, she was with South Carolina Gamecocks, making her way into Freshman of the Year conversation. Her story is one of loyalty, grit, and talent. And she never had to leave home to prove it.

Who is Joyce Edwards’ mother, Rasheedah?

Rasheedah Edwards is an engineer and the mother of 3 kids– Don, Joyce, and Tyler Edwards. And, needless to say, she has been the Gamecock star’s constant support through it all. It was evident as Joyce broke down in tears during her speech for McDonald’s jersey and went on to thank her family. It was further evident when she narrated the incident of how she managed to get a picture with A’ja Wilson.

The young talent was in middle school when she used to mop floors at Colonial Life Arena after South Carolina home games. In return, she could watch Wilson-led Gamecocks play for free. Initially, Joyce wasn’t a fan of the idea, being shy and embarrassed. But it was her mother who encouraged her, which would eventually end in snapping a picture with her favorite player.

While Rasheedah was supportive like that, staying through the joy of winning a gold medal with Team USA, the grind, the setbacks, and the victories, she’d wish Joyce to stay closer home. And the star guard listened. “Home was just in my backyard,” she says.

Who is Joyce Edwards’ father? What does he do?

Joyce’s father, Charlie Edwards, stays out of the spotlight. Not much is known about his background, except that he is an engineer. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t played a role in Joyce’s success. She has constantly thanked her family, and the results speak enough.

What’s your perspective on:

Is Joyce Edwards the greatest athlete Camden has ever produced, surpassing even its NFL stars?

Have an interesting take?

What is Joyce Edwards’ parents’ nationality?

Charlie and Rasheedah Edwards are American. Their daughter put Camden, South Carolina, on the national map, before going on to play for Dawn Staley’s team. No matter how far she goes, her journey will always be tied to home.

As much as she is an excellent player, Joyce Edwards’ parents placed equal importance on her studies. “School always comes first. Even in my family, I couldn’t play sports without getting my grades right, and I kind of think my parents just instilled that in me,” she said in April last year.

The University of South Carolina didn’t offer the major she was looking for, so Edwards turned towards other options. But Dawn Staley wasn’t ready to let her go. After meetings and option exploring, Edwards made her choice. She stayed home. And her freshman season at South Carolina started strong with a 68-62 win over Michigan. She averaged 12.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists while shooting 54.1% from the field.

Read More: Who Are Chloe Kitts’ Parents?

Does Joyce Edwards have any siblings?

Joyce isn’t the only athlete in her family. She has two siblings, Don and Tyler Edwards. However, not much is known about them.

Joyce Edwards has always had talent. But it’s her family that gave her the strength to chase greatness. Now, she’s bringing that same determination to South Carolina. And she’s just getting started.

CAMDEN — Have you ever thought about traveling back in time?

The Revolutionary War Site in Camden, operated by Historic Camden, allows visitors to step back over 250 years to experience life as it was during that time over 100 acres of historical sites and reenactment areas, including a blacksmith shop and reconstructed British military fort.

And it invites guests to eat, drink and socialize as colonists would have during the 18th century.

A living museum

Chef and baker Justin Cherry is a modern-day time traveler. He serves as the resident chef and baker at Historic Camden and George Washington's Mount Vernon in Virginia.

Travelling back in time is familiar to Cherry.

"Since I was four, I've been reenacting the Revolution with my family in Western Pennsylvania," he told Free Times.

He's been in the restaurant industry for two decades, when he "fell in love" with colonial-era cooking.

"I had to learn to slow down; I loved cooking with a wood fire and the research that went into cooking authentically," Cherry said. "Finding authentic ingredients was initially challenging, but it has become easier over the past few years. More farmers now plant grains and vegetables similar to those from the 18th century."

Several times a year, The Historic Camden Foundation holds Tavern Dinners, allowing guests to smell and taste food from 250 years ago.

Cherry makes sure what he offers up is true to form.

"I always have to research," he said. "I read diaries, journals and cookbooks from the 18th century to find authentic recipes."

His dedication is evident at the Tavern Dinners, hosted at an outdoor kitchen, where the mouth-watering aroma of bread baking in the wood-fired oven and chickens roasting on a spit — crafted by the blacksmiths at The Revolutionary War Site — fills the air.

And then there's the best part: you get to eat it.

The Revolution

The Tavern Dinners are just one facet of how Historic Camden is celebrating the American Revolution's 250th anniversary in South Carolina.

Founded in 1967, the Historic Camden Foundation has dedicated efforts to preserve and expand this significant site in South Carolina and American history.

"Camden was the first inland settlement in what was known as the 'backcountry' of South Carolina," explained Cary Briggs, executive director of the Historic Camden Foundation.

Native Americans had been in the area for centuries by the time European settlers arrived, as early as 1739, Briggs said. In 1750, a group of Irish Quakers settled in the area, laying the groundwork for what would become the Midlands' oldest city.

"These industrious, middle-class individuals built sawmills and flour mills, creating a thriving economy in the backcountry," Briggs said. "Camden was becoming a significant location and was the farthest inland settlement in South Carolina at that time."

Camden's location was strategically important both economically and militarily. U.S. Route 521, also known as Sumter Highway, was part of the Great Wagon Road. Briggs said it was an important supply line for British forces, as it ran from Philadelphia to Camden.

"Camden became the headquarters of General Cornwallis and a crucial military position in the South," he said.

Between 1780 and 1781, two significant battles took place near Camden: the Battle of Camden and the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill. Both battles were British victories, but they came at a high cost.

"These were pyrrhic victories for the British," Briggs explained. "Disease, battle wounds and constant harassment by American forces decimated the British troops."

By 1781, he said, Cornwallis had packed up his encampment and moved north. He surrendered that same year in Yorktown, Va.