ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. (WSMV) – It was supposed to be a season filled with joy, but for a single mother and her two children in Ashland City, Monday night brought tragedy.
The family’s longtime friend, Sherry Weston, described the harrowing night. She was shocked by how quickly it all unfolded.
“I was at work,” Weston said. “I went home for a lunch break, and five minutes into my break, she called my husband’s like, ‘My house is on fire.’ And we jumped and ran and saw the smoke. It was, it was just horrifying.”
When the fire broke out, no one was home except for the family dog, Lucinda. Despite efforts by first responders to save her, Lucinda didn’t survive.
“A week before Christmas last year, they got the dog. She was a rescue, and the kids loved her,” Weston explained. “They’re broken over the dog. They’re more hurt over the dog than they are everything else.”
The house was not declared a total loss, but smoke and water destroyed most of the family’s belongings, including their Christmas tree.
“Santa’s still gonna make it here,” Weston said.
This tight-knit community is already rallying around the family, determined to help them rebuild their lives.
“Luckily, codes aren’t condemning the house, so it can be gutted and rebuilt. If it’s going to be saved, it’s just going to be a long road for them,” Weston explained.
The homeowner, Sandi Hinkley, said the repairs would be costly and time-consuming. Adding to the challenges, Hinkley did not have homeowner’s insurance.
Neighbors are stepping up to help. Hinkley, who works at the Advanced Auto Parts store in Ashland City, has already received donations from community members.
A GoFundMe has been made to help cover repair costs and replace essential items for the family.
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