A first responder lost his wife and two young children in a devastating RV fire that occurred Monday night in Parker County, Texas. Alexis Renfroe, 31, and her sons, 4-year-old Alekzander Joshua Renfroe and 10-year-old Cody Lock Jr., were killed in the blaze.
A neighbor, Richard Simpson, witnessed the fire around 10 p.m. and described the rapid spread of the flames, telling WFAA that "the ashes, the embers were coming over the trees" and that the RV "completely engulfed the whole place" before emergency services arrived.
Firefighters discovered three bodies inside the RV after they were able to gain access. It remains unclear what initially caused the fire.
Alexis Renfroe's husband, Herstle, who is a first responder and volunteer firefighter, was reportedly working a shift at the time of the incident. It is currently unknown if he responded to the fire at his own home.
Herstle, who has served Sacred Cross EMS for eight years, not only lost his family but also all of his possessions and his home in the fire. The organization stated, "Now, it is our turn to take care of one of our own."
Sacred Cross EMS, in conjunction with the Palo Pinto County ESD, has established a donation fund to support Herstle through this tragedy. As of Wednesday morning, the fundraiser had raised nearly $11,000 towards its $50,000 goal. The employer requested privacy for Herstle and indicated they would not release further details about the fire.
Students at Stephen F Austin Elementary school reportedly wore green on Wednesday in honor of the children.
The fire is currently under investigation.