ALBRIGHT — A social media fundraising post and friends have identified the family who lost a teenage son and their home in a Thursday fire in Preston County.
Albright Fire Chief Owen Evans told The Dominion Post that a juvenile had not survived the house fire, but four other people escaped by jumping from a second story window.
Evans said the roof had already partially collapsed by the time firefighters reached the scene.
A Facebook fundraiser was set up to raise $10,000 for Dwayne DeWitt and his family.
Dillian Raymond Livengood, who is sponsor of the fundraiser, wrote:
“I’m raising money for the family in Albright who lost their home, their possessions, but most importantly, family pets and their 13-year-old son and brother.”
The post says the DeWitt family would go out of their way for anyone in need and money raised will be used at their discretion to help with expenses, including the funeral of the teen.
“Let’s come together as a community and county and help this family as much as we can, ” Livengood said on his Facebook page.
“We’re up to $8,000,” Livengood said. “When we started, I never thought we would get enough to pay for a funeral.”
He said people were already wanting to donate food and clothing.
West Preston teacher Candi Sisler, who helped spread the word about the fundraiser, said the fire hit home.
“Their oldest son, Dakota, was in my class in 4th/5th grade, years ago,” she said. “David, who passed away (in the fire), was Jeremy’s (Candi’s son) age. They were in kindergarten and second grade together. It really hit home.”
Sisler said there is now a list of clothing sizes on the donation page. She said donations of clothing, hygiene products and food are needed. She said due to the pandemic volunteers will pick up donated items. Contact information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/donate/206363763956255/
“I want to thank the people who have donated,” Livengood said. “I didn’t believe we would go this far but everyone came together and helped. Even people from other states have donated. It’s wonderful.”
Evans said two people were transported to Preston Memorial Hospital and then sent on to the West Penn Burn Center.
Bruceton and Kingwood Volunteer Fire Departments were also dispatched to the scene.
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