WALKER COUNTY, Ga. – A Walker County educator and coach was killed early Sunday morning when a fire engulfed his family’s home near Chickamauga. His wife and two young children were able to escape the fire but remain hospitalized with serious injuries.

Fire officials say crews were dispatched to 127 Ridgewood Circle just after 7:30 a.m. on November 9 after neighbors reported heavy smoke coming from the residence.

When firefighters arrived minutes later, flames were already consuming much of the structure.

Inside, responders found 38-year-old John Millican III, a special education teacher and coach at LaFayette High School, unconscious in a back bedroom.

He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

His wife, Heather Millican, a teacher at LaFayette Middle School, and the couple’s two children, ages 3 and 8, managed to escape.

All three suffered severe burns and were airlifted to Vanderbilt Burn Center in Nashville, Tennessee, where they remain in critical but stable condition.

The Walker County Fire Rescue Department confirmed the home was a total loss.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Authorities have not released details on where or how the blaze began.

Walker County School System issued the following statement on social media Sunday Evening.

“The Walker County Schools family is deeply saddened by the tragic events that occurred early this morning in Chickamauga. A house fire claimed the life of Mr. John Millican, a teacher and coach at LaFayette High School. His wife, Mrs. Heather Millican, a teacher and coach at LaFayette Middle School, and their two young children were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment.

This heartbreaking loss is being felt across our school communities. We ask everyone to keep the Millican family and all those affected in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

Counselors and school social workers will be onsite and available in our schools to support students and staff during this difficult time. Information on how the community can offer support will be shared as it becomes available.”

Funeral arrangements for John Millican have not yet been announced.