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The blaze, which happened in Putnam County on Sunday, Sept. 22, began at around 5:40 a.m. at a Lake Carmel residence at 16 Marion Way and ended up fully engulfing the home, according to the Kent Police Department.
One of the home's occupants, Joseph Hunt, was killed in the blaze, while two other residents were hospitalized. A family dog was also killed in the fire.
Now, in the days following the tragedy, the family has organized a GoFundMe campaign to collect donations to help them get back what was lost in the blaze. The funds will also go toward bringing awareness to the neurological disease CADASIL, which Hunt had suffered from.
"Ultimately, the immobility resulting from this disease contributed greatly to his passing," the fundraiser's organizers wrote, adding, "We feel he may have had a different outcome in this tragedy if it weren't for CADASIL. It is our mission to fight for continued research on a disease we know so little about."
In addition to the donations, community members have also reached out to the family and given them supplies such as clothes, toothbrushes, and other basics.
Luckily, insurance will cover the home and other tangible items lost by the family, but the rebuilding process is likely to be "a long, arduous journey," the family said.
"Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us donate to CADASIL research and provide some relief to our grieving family," they added.
As of Friday, Sept. 27, the fundraiser had already collected over $9,000 out of a $30,000 goal.
Those interested in donating can do so by clicking here.
The fire is still under investigation by authorities. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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