GAFFNEY, S.C. — Former West Virginia state lawmaker Lisa Smith has died.
Smith, 59, was killed in a house fire where she lived near Gaffney, South Carolina, according to WOWK-TV. The blaze occurred Wednesday morning.
Smith, a Republican, represented parts of Putnam, Mason and Roane counties in the legislature. She began her legislative career in the House, serving two terms, and then pulled a huge upset when she defeated Senate Finance Committee Chairman Oshel Craigo for a Senate seat in 2002.
Smith didn’t complete her Senate term. She resigned in 2004 citing health reasons.
West Virginia political strategist Greg Thomas tweeted:
“Sad ending to a tumultuous life for my once very good friend and former State Senator Lisa Smith. Lisa defeating then State Senate Finance Chair Oshel Craigo was a very important moment in state political history. I am proud to have been part of her campaign. RIP”
Investigators said three people were inside the house when the fire broke. One man was taken a burn center, another man made it out safely. Smith’s body was reportedly found in a hallway.
Smith was sentenced to two years in federal prison in January 2008 after pleading guilty in August 2007 to mail and tax fraud charges in connection with her healthcare business. She was ordered to pay $943,000 in restitution.