SANTEE WOMAN, 80, DIES AFTER HOUSE FIRE

Story and photos by Shiloh Ireland

October 12, 2023 (Santee) -- This is what is left of the home of Rick and Darlene Matthews, who have lived in the home on Ashdale Lane in Santee for 46 years. A Sunday afternoon fire claimed the life of Mrs. Matthews, 80.  Her husband, 78, survived.

Firefighters and Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call from a neighbor. According to Detective  Dan Wilson, Mr. Matthews was outside the home and told them his wife was still inside, Patch.com reported. 

ECM spoke to a neighbor across the street, who provided his first name, Jeff. He said he witnessed flames erupting out of the closed garage and tried to put flames out on the lawn.

The neighbor says Matthews was  “approximately eight feet from exiting a sliding glass door in the back of the home” when first responders reached her.  She suffered burns on her torso and was provided CPR at the scene.  She was transported to UCSD Medical Center, where she later died.

Along with the home, two vehicles were destroyed, one in the garage and an EV parked on the driveway.

Investigators found that the fire started in the garage, but is not considered suspicious in nature.

Yesterday, family and the neighborhood met at the site and supported Mr. Matthews and his family following this this tragic event.

Darlene Matthews is survived by the couple’s two adult children.