A Navy veteran tragically lost his life after running into his burning home, believing he needed to save his 10-year-old son. Unbeknownst to him, the boy had already escaped safely.
Christopher Gearhart, aged 50, died late Sunday night following a fire that broke out in his home in Hollywood, Maryland, reportedly ignited by fireworks tied to the Fourth of July celebrations.
According to reports, the father, who was newly engaged, rushed back into the house, thinking his child was still inside.
“Initial accounts suggest the child’s father re-entered the house to search for him,” the Maryland State Fire Marshal noted, without directly naming Gearhart.
Once the flames were put out, firefighters discovered Gearhart’s body on the second floor. Thankfully, it was confirmed that the child had been able to get out safely.
The fire marshal indicated that the blaze likely started from fireworks. “The ongoing investigation points out that the family had used ground sparklers during the evening,” the sheriff mentioned.
“After the fireworks show concluded, the used fireworks were thrown in a trash can situated on the back deck.”
“Deputy State Fire Marshals are looking into the possibility that the discarded fireworks may have still held enough heat to ignite flammable material in the trash can, leading to the fire.”
The cause of Gearhart’s death is still being investigated.
Having served for 25 years in the Navy, Gearhart commanded an electronic attack squadron known as the “Grey Wolves.”
He is also survived by his fiancée, Lauren Copenhaver, whom he proposed to a year ago.
“What should have been a time of celebration turned into an unimaginable tragedy,” remarked friend Amanda Peterson during a fundraiser established for Copenhaver and his son.
“After the heart-wrenching house fire caused by fireworks, Lauren has lost her beloved fiancé Chris, her home, and nearly all her possessions. In the blink of an eye, her entire life has changed.”
Now she faces the daunting challenge of starting over from scratch,” Peterson added.
