Bluffton, SC (August 26, 2026) – An elderly couple died on Tuesday morning after a house fire at 332 Cold Creek Pass in the Edgefield subdivision, according to Beaufort County Chief Coroner Michael Bowers. Mirjana Dizdarevic, 71, died at the scene, and Dzevad Dizdarevic, 73, died at the hospital shortly after.
Bluffton Township Fire District crews responded and found the home on fire with three occupants and several pets inside. Crews rescued the couple and performed CPR after both suffered sudden cardiac arrest. A third occupant survived. One cat died in the fire; six other pets, including three dogs and cats, were safely evacuated. One firefighter was also injured and later treated and released.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the cause. Our condolences go out to the Dizdarevic family and loved ones.
Why Might Sudden Cardiac Arrest Occur During a House Fire Rescue?
Extreme physical stress, combined with smoke inhalation and reduced oxygen levels, can place a significant strain on the heart, particularly for older individuals or those with underlying health vulnerabilities. This combination can trigger a cardiac event even before flames make direct contact with a person.
Toxic gases released during a fire, including carbon monoxide, can interfere with the body’s ability to circulate oxygen effectively, adding further strain during an already high-stress situation. This effect can persist even after someone is removed from immediate danger, which is part of why rescue crews continue to monitor and treat patients closely after extraction.
Fire investigators and medical examiners typically work together in cases like this to understand the full sequence of events, including how smoke exposure and physical exertion may have contributed to a cardiac event. This kind of collaborative review helps establish both the fire’s cause and the full circumstances surrounding a fatality.
