In Loving Memory of the Hill / Smith Family
The Hillsboro community is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy after a devastating house fire claimed the lives of five beloved family members early Friday morning. Christopher Hill and Lisa Smith, along with their three young children—10-year-old Chris Hill Jr., 7-year-old Ashanti Hill, and 6-year-old Tay Hill—were tragically lost when flames overtook their home along County Road 439. As the news spreads, the weight of this heartbreak is felt deeply throughout the area, arriving painfully just weeks before Christmas.
What was once a warm, lively home filled with laughter, school projects, bedtime stories, and the everyday routines of a loving family has now become the center of overwhelming grief. Neighbors recall hearing the children playing in the yard, riding bikes along the driveway, and calling out for one another in that familiar, joyful way siblings do. Today, silence hangs over the property where their memories still linger.
Christopher Hill was admired as a hardworking man who carried a quiet strength. Whether at work or around town, he was known for lending a hand before anyone even asked. His partner, Lisa Smith, radiated kindness and was often described as the “heart of the home”—a mother whose warm smile and steady encouragement seemed to lift everyone around her. Together, they created a household built on love, resilience, and the close-knit bond they shared with their children.
Chris Jr., the eldest, was a bright and curious 10-year-old who loved helping his younger siblings and exploring anything that sparked his imagination. Ashanti, just 7, was said to have a sweet, gentle nature and a love for drawing that filled the home with colorful creations. And little Tay, the youngest at only 6, was full of energy and affection—an animated child who could draw a smile from anyone he met. Their teachers, friends, and relatives describe the siblings as inseparable, their personalities different yet wonderfully complementary, each bringing something special to the family.
As Hillsboro mourns, the sense of loss is profound. A family who should have been preparing for Christmas—wrapping gifts, decorating their tree, and sharing traditions—has instead left an empty space in the hearts of everyone who knew them. Communities near and far are uniting through vigils, shared memories, acts of support, and prayers for those left grieving.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to every family member and friend now facing a sorrow no one should ever bear. In these moments of darkness, the community stands together, leaning on one another as they honor the lives lost and seek comfort in shared remembrance.
Tonight at 10, we will share interviews with loved ones—family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors—who are opening their hearts to tell us about the Hill and Smith family. They will speak about the love, the laughter, the legacy, and the cherished moments that will forever remain alive in their memories. Their stories will help ensure that Christopher, Lisa, Chris Jr., Ashanti, and Tay are remembered not for the tragedy that took their lives, but for the light they brought into the world.
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