September 6, 2025

Fripp Island Fire Claims Life of Local Resident

Fripp Island, September 6, 2025

News Summary

A house fire on Fripp Island has tragically claimed the life of 70-year-old Michael R. Pate. The fire, which started in a garage, also affected several nearby homes. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of this devastating incident. The community has come together to support the affected families, setting up a GoFundMe campaign to provide assistance during this challenging time.

Fripp Island Fire Claims Life of 70-Year-Old Resident

Fripp Island, SC – A tragic house fire on Fripp Island has claimed the life of 70-year-old Michael “Mike” R. Pate. The incident occurred on August 16, 2025, when a fire at 718 Bonito Drive was reported at 10:13 a.m. Multiple homes were affected, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed Pate’s identity through DNA analysis, establishing him as the sole victim of the fire. Alongside Pate, the family’s dog, named Ranger, also perished in the blaze. Although two adjacent houses were destroyed, they were unoccupied at the time. Additional homes sustained varying degrees of damage.

Investigators from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division are examining the cause of the fire, which reportedly began in a garage where a golf cart was found on fire. Mike Pate’s GPS location confirmed that he was inside his residence when the fire broke out.

Michael Pate was born on July 24, 1955, in El Dorado, Arkansas, to the late Richard and Shirley Pate. He was a respected member of the Fripp Island community, known for his gentle demeanor and a passion for golf. Pate leaves behind his devoted wife Jayne, daughter Ashley Mullen and her husband Will, stepson Shane Smith, and two grandsons, Finley and Breyer Mullen. He is also survived by his brother Scott Pate, his aunt Pat Kendrick and husband John, niece Jessica, and nephew Jeremy with his wife Courtney. His family described him as patient, kind, and generous, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist families affected by the fire, aiming to raise $10,000 to provide support during this difficult time.

The local community, along with first responders, has been recognized for their compassion and support during this tragedy. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to St. Helena’s Anglican Church in memory of Mike Pate.

Important Facts

Name: Michael “Mike” R. Pate
Age: 70
Date of Incident: August 16, 2025
Cause of Death: Fatal fire at residence
Location of Fire: 718 Bonito Drive, Fripp Island, SC
Status of Fire Investigation: Ongoing
Survived by: Wife, daughter, stepson, grandsons, brother, niece, and nephew

Background on Michael Pate

Michael Pate was remembered in the community as a person of quiet strength and warm laughter. His love for golf was a defining feature of his character, and he actively engaged with many in the community through this shared interest. His family and friends will remember him not only for his passion but also for his kind-hearted and generous nature.

Community Response

In response to the fire, the Fripp Island community has rallied to provide assistance to those affected. The GoFundMe page has seen numerous contributions from community members wanting to help support the families impacted by the tragic event. This outpouring of support reflects the strong bonds within the community, which has come together during this challenging time.

Further Actions

The ongoing fire investigation aims to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the blaze, which has deeply affected not just the immediate families involved but the whole Fripp Island community.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the fire on Fripp Island?

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Initial reports indicate that the fire started in a garage where a golf cart was on fire.

Who was the victim of the fire?

The victim was identified as Michael R. Pate, a 70-year-old resident of Fripp Island.

How can the community help those affected by the fire?

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist families affected by the fire, with a goal of raising $10,000.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort City Launches Investigation into Data Breach
Fourth Suspect Arrested in Teen’s Tragic Shooting Case
Michael Pate Identified as Victim of Fripp Island House Fire
Burton Residents Affected by House Fire
Burton Resident Charged in Major Dog Fighting Case
Bluffton Store Declared Safe After Evacuations
Beaufort Family Receives Community Support After House Fire
Beaufort Family Displaced by Devastating Fire
Beaufort, South Carolina’s Historical Events and Recent Tragedies
Beaufort Community Showcased in Live Broadcast Event

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

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