News Summary
A devastating fire at a residence on Rigsby Avenue resulted in the death of 70-year-old Maria Yolanda Stewart. Her son, Todd Benjamin Stewart, has been charged with arson causing bodily injury/death. The San Antonio Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire, with reports of hoarding conditions in the home. The community mourns the loss of Maria, a well-loved figure known for her generosity, as they come together to support her family during this time of tragedy.
San Antonio – A tragic fire claimed the life of a 70-year-old woman early Tuesday morning at a residence on Rigsby Avenue. Firefighters responded to the blaze shortly after 5 a.m. and discovered the body of the victim, identified as Maria Yolanda Stewart, inside the home.
In connection with the incident, 47-year-old Todd Benjamin Stewart, the son of Maria Stewart, has been charged with arson causing bodily injury/death. He was detained at the scene and is currently facing serious legal repercussions as the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the fire.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the San Antonio Fire Department, which has indicated that there may have been hoarding conditions within the home. The medical examiner is also currently reviewing the situation to determine whether the cause of Maria Stewart’s death was directly associated with the fire.
In the wake of this devastating event, a fundraising effort has been initiated to offer support to Maria Stewart’s family during this challenging time. She was widely regarded by her neighbors as a generous and welcoming figure, often referred to affectionately as “Martha Stewart.” Her friendly demeanor and willingness to help others made her a beloved member of the community.
One neighbor recounted fond memories of how Maria Stewart had touched the lives of those around her, particularly in her interactions with the neighbor’s granddaughter when the child was younger. This sentiment highlights the impact that Maria Stewart had within her neighborhood, underscoring the loss felt by those who knew her.
As the local community comes together to support the Stewart family, officials continue to piece together the events that led up to the fire and the resulting tragedy. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities aiming to establish the exact cause of the blaze and further clarify the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking situation.
In the days following the fire, many in the community have expressed their shock and sadness, as they remember Maria Stewart for her kindness and generosity. The neighborhood is left grappling with the loss of a well-liked resident, while the family navigates both the emotional turmoil and the practical ramifications of this tragic occurrence.
As more information becomes available, the San Antonio Fire Department and law enforcement officials will continue to investigate the incident thoroughly to provide clarity and accountability. The community mourns Maria Stewart’s loss and comes together to support one another in the aftermath of this devastating event.
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Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT
- Google Search: Maria Yolanda Stewart fire
- KENS 5
- Google Scholar: Fire investigation in San Antonio
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Firefighting
- KSAT
- Google News: San Antonio fire news
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
