Galveston house fire: Mother dies in suspected arson, three others rescued
GALVESTON, Texas - Galveston firefighters are investigating a deadly fire that occurred on Feb. 29.
Officials say 55-year-old Renita Hawthorne of Galveston tragically died in a fire that, according to preliminary investigation, was deliberately set around 1 a.m. at the structure located at the 700 block of 39th Street. This has resulted in an ongoing arson and homicide investigation as law enforcement searches for the perpetrator.
"I just wish I could bring her back," said Sharonda Hawthorne, Renita's cousin. "We’re just in disbelief right now."
Renita Hawthorne was in her elevated one-story home with her daughters and boyfriend when the fire broke out.
"She ran from one room and couldn’t get a window, so she took them to the bathroom and busted out a window, and she threw her kids out," said Sharonda Hawthorne.
According to officials, the arsonist "set fire to the front and back porches" to prevent the people inside from escaping.
"There were two exits that were blocked, and so they had to come out of a window via ladder through the fire department," said Fire Marshall Chris Harrison of the Galveston Fire Department.
ORIGINAL STORY: Galveston house fire leaves woman dead, arson investigation underway
Firefighters arrived at the scene as three individuals were attempting to flee through windows. The first responders entered the house using ladders and rescued the three individuals.
Renita Hawthorne has been hailed a hero by her family for making sure everyone made it out of the house safely.
"She made sure that she got her children and her family out of the house, and she just didn’t make it," said Sharonda Hawthrone.
Later, Hawthorne was found unconscious inside the structure. Now, her family remembers her as the loving mother, sister, and friend that she was.
"She was just a bubbly person. She would give you dollars. She would feed you. She would give you rides. She was just an amazing person," said Sharonda Hawtorne.
All four victims, including Hawthorne, were transported to the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston by Galveston Emergency Medical Services. Despite the first responder’s efforts, Hawthorne, unfortunately, died from her injuries.
As they responded to the fire, two firefighters were treated by emergency medical services at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston for minor injuries, one of which is being held for observation.