Deputies: Woman dies in house fire near Daytona Beach Shores

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A 70-year-old woman died early Monday in a house fire near Daytona Beach Shores, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said.

The fire was reported shortly after 5 a.m. at a home on Gladys Terrace near South Peninsular Drive, Sheriff's Office spokesman Andrew Gant said.

Deputies said Carol Drawdy lived alone. Her cat was rescued from the burning home.

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Firefighters tried to save the unresponsive woman, but she was pronounced dead minutes later, Gant said.

Steve McMullem, who lives two houses away from the victim, said she rarely left her home.

"We don't even know the lady," he said. "We've lived on the street for 15 years. Never seen her. Couldn't tell you what she looked like, which is kind of unfortunate."

McCullem said he wishes he could have rescued her, but he said he didn't hear the fire or anyone in distress.

"We were all kind of shocked," he said. "It makes me feel kind of rough this morning that I couldn't help, that I couldn't do more to help a neighbor."

Deputies said the fire doesn't appear to be suspicious, but its cause remains under investigation.

No other details were given.

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