The Daily Star Ireland
A father and son, aged 80 and 50, tragically lost their lives in a house fire in Co Tipperary. The fire occurred at a two-story house in Littleton, near Thurles, around 2:30 a.m. The victims, identified locally as Stephen Lee and his son John, were found deceased at the scene on McDonagh Terrace.
The alarm was raised by neighbors who heard a commotion from the back of the house. Two units from the Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service responded to the scene, where extensive smoke damage was reported. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway, with authorities suggesting it likely started accidentally.
Stephen Lee lived in the house, and his son, John, regularly visited on Sunday nights to help care for him. The family had recently suffered the loss of their wife and mother, and another sibling had passed away some years ago.
The Lee family is well-known and well-liked in the local community, and news of the tragedy has left residents in shock. Norma McCarthy, a neighbor, described the family as lovely people, mentioning that John was a frequent visitor to his father’s home. Seamus Corbett, another local, expressed his disbelief, particularly with Christmas approaching.
Councillor Sean Ryan, a native of the village and former schoolmate of the Lee siblings, described the community as being numb from the tragedy. He noted the family’s deep ties to the area and their involvement in local activities. Ryan said that, at this time, the community could only offer their sympathy and full support to the grieving family.
