Morgan City mother, daughter trying to rebuild after house fire kills man
MORGAN CITY - A fatal house fire has left a Morgan City mother grieving the loss of her longtime partner while struggling to rebuild a life for their young daughter.
Quentin Jones, 35, died from his injuries after a fire broke out at the family's home on Halloween.
Morgan City Fire Chief Alvin Cockerham said crews were dispatched immediately, arriving within minutes of the initial emergency call. According to fire officials, a passerby spotted Jones near the doorstep of the burning residence and pulled him to the sidewalk before first responders arrived. Emergency crews transported Jones to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Cockerham noted the department had not seen a fatal fire in some time.
Kierondra Hill, Jones’ partner of 11 years, arrived at the scene as emergency personnel were still working to control the blaze.
"When I pulled up, that's what I see ambulance, fire trucks, police officers," Hill said. "They were like, the victim that was here did pass away, and I went into panic mode instantly."
Hill described Jones as a dedicated family man and a helpful presence in their household. Now, she and her 5-year-old daughter are left to pick up the pieces with virtually nothing left.
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"We practically lost everything," Hill said. "All of the clothes we have are the clothes that we grabbed that we had with us."
The family is currently accepting donations to assist with funeral costs, everyday essentials, and finding temporary housing. A GoFundMe account has been created to help cover funeral costs and support Hill and her daughter. Community members wishing to donate can visit GoFundMe.com and search for the campaign titled "Help me and my daughter rebuild," organized by Kierondra Hill.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire.