Over $10,000 has been raised to support a widow, her dog, and 15 cats after her husband lost his life during a devastating house fire in Dunnellon last month.
The GoFundMe was established by Ocala resident Victoria Rausch on behalf of Virginia Lane and her late husband, Steven. According to Citrus County Fire Rescue, the fire occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 25, on N. Moonwind Terrace in the Citrus County portion of Dunnellon.
Citrus County Fire Rescue units arrived at the scene to find a double-wide mobile home heavily involved in flames. While firefighters battled challenging conditions and a limited water supply, they located the Lanes outside of the home.
Due to poor weather conditions, air medical transport was unavailable, so the couple was transported to the hospital by vehicle.
Steven died as a result of the incident and Virginia was left fighting for her life in critical care due to severe smoke inhalation. The home was declared a total loss.
Rausch says that the family dog, Lacie, and 15 cats survived the blaze, though several had to be treated for smoke inhalation.
Rausch established the GoFundMe to assist with the “overwhelming financial burden the family now faces, including funeral expenses for Steven, ongoing medical bills for Virginia, and the basic needs that come with losing everything in a fire.”
Since it was created on January 26, the GoFundMe has raised approximately $10,241 of its $11,000 goal.
“No family should have to endure this kind of loss alone,” Rausch wrote. “Any donation, no matter the amount, will go directly toward supporting Virginia’s recovery and honoring Steven’s memory.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.
To support Virginia Lane on her road to recovery, visit the GoFundMe established on her behalf.