Demorest Man Dies in Camper Fire

A Demorest man has died as the result of a camper fire.

Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King said Tuesday 54-year old Johnny Lee Higginbotham, was killed last Friday, January 21st.

King said it happened around 7:37 a.m. on Hamilton Mill Road.

He said the 30-year-old 200-square-foot camper was completely destroyed by the fire.

King said firefighters from Habersham County and the Demorest Fire Department were able to extinguish the blaze and afterward found the body of Higginbotham inside.

King said the camper fire in Demorest appears to have been accidental.

While the cause of this fire is still under investigation, King issued a new warning earlier this week about safety while using space heaters to keep warm during the winter months.

Commissioner King’s Fire Investigations Unit is assisting the Habersham County Emergency Services, Sheriff’s Office, and Coroner’s Office in this investigation.