Plato, MO. – A fire has led to the death of a 71-year-old woman, and the Texas County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating.
The Sheriff’s Office has issued an official statement on the event, which will be included below unedited.
Emphasis: Fatal House Fire
On October 1, 2026, at approximately 9:52 PM, Texas County 911 dispatch received a
call about a structure fire on Venable Drive, in the Bucyrus area. The initial call reported a
person still inside the residence. Roby, Houston Rural, and Plato fire departments were
dispatched to the fire along with Texas County EMS and deputies.
After the fire was contained and entry was made, a female victim was found deceased
in the residence. The victim was identified as Debbie S. Mathes, age 71 (next of kin has been
notified). The Texas County Coroner Brent Honeycutt responded to the scene as well. The
cause of the fire and death are being investigated by the Missouri State Fire Marshall and the
Texas County Sheriff’s Office. An autopsy is scheduled for the victim, and the investigation
will remain active, however no foul play is suspected at this time.
