Candi Strawderman survived a West Virginia house fire that killed her fiance and four children on Saturday,.Photo:Brandie Dean
Brandie Dean
A mother survived a house fire thatkilled her fiancé and their young childrenon Saturday.
According to a family friend, two of Candi Strawderman’s children died in the fire as did Campbell’s two kids, Abilene and Jayce.
“Hardy County 911 received the call for a house fire on Woods Edge Road near the community of Mathias, WV,” the agency continued, noting that “[one] adult female was able to escape the fire and has been transported to a local medical facility.”
Strawderman’s friend, Brandie Dean, also tells PEOPLE that she had another daughter, ALayla, who was not at home at the time of the fire and survived.
“Candi and her family are some of the sweetest and funniest people you will ever meet. When it comes to family, that is their number one priority,” Dean tells PEOPLE. “To Candi, those babies were her entire world. When you saw Candi, you saw Hunter and the kids.”
“Hunter was someone who always could make Candi laugh even when she didn’t want to,” she continues. “They could be absolutely doing nothing together and be happy just in each other’s presence. Hunter loved being silly and to make his family smile.”
Dean notes that Abilene and Jayce’s mom is also in mourning after her two kids were killed in the blaze.
“Their mom, Megan, is needing everyone’s support as well. She loved her babies and they were her whole world as well,” she continues. “One mom losing her babies is awful, but two going through the same thing is just heartbreaking.”
Four children were killed in Saturday’s house fire in West Virginia.Brandie Dean
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Jason D. Baltic, chief investigator with the West Virginia State Fire Marshal, told PEOPLE Tuesday that authorities are still awaiting a positive identification for the victims.
Though it remains unclear what caused the blaze, the marshal’s office noted Saturday that “no smoke alarms were found among the debris.”
“The cause of the fire will be ruled undetermined due to the severe amount of damage to the structure,” the agency said Saturday.
In the meantime,twoGoFundMe fundraisershave been launched to help support both families. As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $75,000 had been raised.
Dean adds the two moms are leaning on each other for support. “Candi and Megan just want to bring their babies home,” she says.
source: people.com
