Tragedy struck a North Carolina family when their 13-year-old son accidentally lit the Christmas tree on fire and perished in the resulting blaze that engulfed the entire house. Another individual was also injured but made it out alive.
Brandon González, who had autism, was with his caregiver at the Fanning Pointe Lane home in Winston-Salem, a small city about 80 miles (129km) north of Charlotte, when he accidentally set the decoration on fire. He had allegedly gotten ahold of a lighter somehow.
The caregiver tried desperately to save his life, suffering some burns as she did, but it was too late for the teen. His 5-year-old sister made it out unscathed, local outlet FOX 8 reported.
READ MORE: Common Christmas tree light mistake could cause fire in your home this winter
The family's home was completely destroyed in the blaze, and they now must start over (FOX8)Fire crews from Winston-Salem were called to the scene at around 6:30pm on Tuesday after neighbours saw flames engulfing the family home, WLTX reported. There had just been the three inside — the caregiver, the 5-year-old girl and Brandon. The names of the former two have not yet been released.
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Brenda Contreras Juarez, Brandon's mother, said her son could always bring her happiness with his smile, stating: "He was my world." Interviewing with FOX 8, she added: "It's been three days of tortures. ... I miss him so much, and I am dying of sadness."
She said that he was full of life, having just recently turned 13. He was the eldest of her three children, whom she lived alone with at the residence. Neighbours, including Jazmin Verde and her mother, who spoke with WLTX, said the family was very kind. Jazmin told the outlet that her mother spoke with them a lot, stating that both Brenda and her kids are nice.
Brandon's mother, Brenda, is left heartbroken after her son's tragic death (FOX8)The family must now recover from the devastating blaze that wiped out everything they had. A GoFundMe page was set up in their name by Brenda's aunt Noelia Juárez, who wrote: "On behalf of Family Contreras Juárez, we are making this page to whomever would like to kindly donate in memory of Brandon Gonzalez, since he lost his life in a house fire. They lost everything, their home, and 13- year old Brandon’s life. We ask for your help for what you can for funeral costs and to build a new home."
The fundraiser has currently garnered over $6,600, with the original goal having been set at $5,000. Winston-Salem Fire told WLTX that flames should be kept away from Christmas trees, especially real ones, and space heaters must be given room so as to avoid catching items close to them on fire.
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