Officials in Lexington have agreed to lower a fine issued to the owner of an apartment complex where a fatal gas leak occurred last summer, settling the case months after the building was condemned.
The penalty against Oxford KDR LLC, which owns the Oxford Circle Apartments, was originally set at $10,025 following a city inspection that uncovered dozens of code violations.
Under a settlement reached Friday, the fine was reduced to $7,500, and the legal case filed in Fayette District Court will be dismissed.
Building condemned after fatal incident
The apartment complex was condemned shortly after a July 7, 2025 gas leak that left 62-year-old Samuel Gross dead and injured 11 others.
According to the Fayette County Coroner’s Office, Gross died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Tests showed his blood contained a carboxyhemoglobin level of 59.3%, far above levels typically considered fatal.
Two days after the incident, inspectors from Lexington’s Division of Code Enforcement conducted an inspection of the two-story, 32-unit building and identified 35 violations.
Numerous safety problems discovered
Officials said the violations included both interior and exterior structural damage, plumbing and electrical hazards, a malfunctioning HVAC system and missing smoke detectors.
Investigators believe one of the most serious problems involved a faulty boiler and exhaust system, which may have caused the deadly gas leak.
Despite some repairs, inspectors determined that only partial fixes had been made, prompting the city to issue the maximum fine allowed by the code enforcement division.
Repairs required before reopening
City officials said the apartment complex will remain condemned until all violations are corrected and the property successfully passes inspection.
Paying the reduced fine does not remove the owner’s obligation to address the issues, according to city representatives.
Officials also said the property will continue to be monitored as legal matters and potential ownership changes move forward.
Gas leak sparks push for new safety rules
The tragedy has also prompted discussions about stronger safety regulations in Lexington.
Council member Jennifer Reynolds recently proposed an ordinance that would require carbon monoxide detectors in all apartment units and homes with gas-burning appliances or attached garages.
The proposal has already cleared a committee of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, and city leaders are expected to vote on the measure in March.