'Beloved' reverend dies desperately trying to save kids from house fire

30 January 2024 , 05:36

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An Ohio pastor died alongside two of his children in a nasty house fire in Orient, a suburb of Columbus, last week as he desperately tried to save them (Image: Foundation Church)

Tragedy struck an Ohio family after a fire engulfed their home, claiming the lives of two children and their father, who heroically tried to save them from the blaze.

It was just after midnight on Tuesday, Jan. 23, when firefighters got the call about a massive blaze in Orient, Ohio, a tiny municipality about 16 miles (26km) southwest of Columbus, according to a press release from the Ohio Department of Commerce.

When the blaze broke out, 55-year-old pastor Mark Robinette realised that two of his sons were missing — 17-year-old Gideon and 10-year-old Liam — so he raced into the home to search for them. He found them sleeping upstairs, a GoFundMe page for the family revealed.

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The home was completely destroyed in the blaze, the origin of which is unknown (10 WBNS)

All three tragically died in the blaze, but his other six children and wife Andrea were able to make it out safely. The family is now mourning the death of their father and husband, who they remember for his activism as a writer and missionary who traveled abroad and built churches in Myanmar, according to his cousin, Mike Comer, who interviewed with WLBT.

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It remains unclear what caused the blaze, but the department said no foul play is suspected as it remains under investigation by The Division of State Fire Marshal's Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau, the Pickaway County Sheriff's Office and the Pickaway County Coroner's Office.

The call came in at approximately 12:22am local time, the release stated, and the authorities did announce "three confirmed male fatalities aged 55, 17 and 10." The official cause of the fire is still unknown.

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Robinette and his wife Andrea had eight children, and two perished with Robinette in the fire (10 WBNS)

The GoFundMe, which has a $250,000 goal, has now amassed over $246,000 for the family as they mourn and start their new lives. It was reported that they're currently living in a hotel while they search for more permanent accommodations.

"Their house and all of their belongings were completely destroyed, and it is the dead of winter. They are left with the night clothes they were wearing and their vehicle and that is all," the GoFundMe page reads. "If you can find it in your heart to give monetarily to this sweet family to get them back on their feet, any and all donations are appreciated."

The organisers later updated the posting, writing: "Thank you everyone for your kind generosity to the Robinette (nee’ Trapani) family during this tragic time. Your outpouring of love and concern is much appreciated by the family. Funds are being released to Rebekah now to help the family with immediate needs. Please keep the funds and prayers coming if you are able. Warm regards, and may God richly bless you."

Jeremiah Hassel