The woman pulled from a burning apartment building by two neighbors last week died Monday at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem.

Mary Diane Witherspoon Hart, 61, of Piedmont Street, Lenoir, died as a result of the injuries she sustained in the fire that occurred Jan. 6 at the Caldwell Garden Apartments.

According to reports from Caldwell County EMS, Hart had third-degree burns to her back and lower extremities. She was flown to Baptist for further evaluation and treatment of her injuries, but she died from complications associated with her condition Monday morning at the hospital.

The fire broke out in Apartment D 13 around 3 p.m. that day, and neighbors Charles and Moffitt and his son Steve had just returned from work when they saw smoke coming from the roof of the building and heard cries for help.

Without hesitating, the two men dashed inside the burning apartment, filled with smoke and heat, found Hart lying in the bed of the apartment's bedroom and were able to pull her out of the building to safety.

At that time, Lenoir Fire Chief Ken Briscoe said the actions of the Moffitts probably saved Hart's life, though that changed as her condition apparently worsened while hospitalized.

"It was a miracle that they were there to get her out," said Chasity Houck, site manager for Caldwell Garden Apartments. "I just hate she passed away. It's a tragic situation."

Officials with Lenoir Fire Department have confirmed that the fire started in the bedroom of the apartment, but they have not determined the exact cause. Investigators with Lenoir Police Department also are involved with the fire investigation.