Columbia Grandmother Dies After 'Devastating' House Fire

COLUMBIA, MD — A Columbia grandmother died days after suffering injuries in a massive house fire, authorities said.

Stephanie Jones, 51, died Sunday following the June 11 blaze at her home in the 7900 block of Dorsey Run Road in Jessup, according to her family and the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services.

According to authorities, crews were called to Jones's home around 8 p.m. and found heavy fire from the front of a two-story building. Firefighters immediately battled the blaze and provided aid to Jones, who was found outside the home.

Jones was taken to the hospital for treatment of serious burns, authorities said. One firefighter was evaluated for heat exhaustion and also taken to the hospital.

The Office of the Fire Marshal is still investigating the origin and cause of the fire.

In a GoFundMe launched by her brother, Jones's family said her injuries from the "devastating tragedy" were too severe. After what they called a courageous fight, her family said the decision was made to take Jones off life support.

"Stephanie was deeply loved and known for her immense kindness, strength and compassion," her family wrote on GoFundMe. "Her greatest joy was her family, especially caring for her 10-year-old grandson, Nijah Jr."

According to her family, Nijah was staying with Stephanie to attend school in her district. All funds raised will be used to cover funeral costs and to provide for Nijah's immediate needs.

"(Nijah) has lost everything familiar and comforting to him in this tragic fire, and our immediate goal is to restore a sense of normalcy and security for him during this deeply distressing time," Jones's family wrote.

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