A 14-year-old girl is hailed by authorities as a hero in a tragic fire that claimed her father Friday night north of Eunice.
Raymondville firefighters were called to the blaze at about 8:25 p.m. following a report of a house explosion on Pine Flat Drive. Summersville Fire Department also was called for mutual aid amid reports one person remained inside the home.
Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater declared James Goodchild deceased at 1:20 a.m. in a back room of the home, and two investigators with the State Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene to investigate.
Two children and their grandmother were able to escape and were transported for evaluation at Texas County Memorial Hospital in Houston. One child had minor burns.
“Out of this tragedy one true hero shines through, the 14-year-old young lady. After the fire started, she was able to make sure her brother and elderly grandmother were safe and assisted in getting them into the truck and driving them away to safety while calling 911,” said Raymondville Fire Chief Mike Jackson. “The young lady disregarded her own injuries and attempted to help her family with putting water on the fire and trying to make an exit in the home prior to driving her family to safety.”
Jackson said multiple rounds of ammunition sounded off and the home was fully engulfed, so defensive firefighting techniques were initiated. The department was able to determine there was not an initial explosion of the home due to propane, but what appeared to be ammunition in the house firing off. After the rounds stopped firing off, firefighters were able to tackle the blaze more aggressively.
Jackson said the fire appeared to have started near a wood stove.
“We will be joining the community in wrapping this family in love and help them fill any needs they have in the upcoming future,” said Jackson.
It is the second time tragedy has struck the family. In 2022, Mr. Goodchild’s wife was fatally shot at the family’s home by her brother-in-law.
Assisting at the scene also were EMS from Mercy at Summersville and Texas County Memorial Hospital and Texas County Sheriff’s Department.
Statement on fire
My Heart & Prayers Go Out to the Children & Grandchildren of James & Nikki Goodchild.. And to ALL THE FAMILY & FRIENDS Of James. I was Blessed to know You and the kind Heart You Had…GO REST HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN BROTHER!!
So sorry to hear of this families loss. Just too much for the children to have to deal with. Please keep them in your prayers.
James and Nikki were good people i was so glad i got to meet them and their kids are so sweet. I always enjoy teasing ruger and having shay as my best friend since kindergarten.
I was blessed to meet the family in 2021. Nikki James and the kids. I bought one of Puma’s pups. I stayed in contact with Nikki and was heart broken when she passed. Now seeing and hearing of James passing along with Puma my heart is totally broken. I’m sending prayers for the family. God Bless
I’ve known Jamie(as we called him)since he was a young child.Linda and Gary raised the three boys just outside of small town,Donovan, Illinois.Linda and Gary moved their family to Missouri with hopes and dreams of living the life that they loved .Jeremy and Josh and Jamie .my two boys are Josh and jeremy also.. Linda and Gary….I am so sorry that you’ve had to experience tragic loss in short time .Jamie met our Lord Jesus ..Can you imagine how he feels now??He is alive and we will see him again..Prayers for you all .