Lightning Destroys Home While Couple Attended Daughter's Wedding
SOUTHBOROUGH (CBS) - Joel Koltz and Rachel White stare in disbelief on what used to be their home in Southborough.
"Its a big loss. It's everything we own. It's upsetting," White said.
In fact it's all gone along with all of their memories. What's strange is that as the two were celebrating their proudest moment, the wedding of their daughter on the North Shore, a fire ripped through the two-story home.
"The kitchen cabinets, the furniture, there's not even a remnant of things," Koltz said.
Their house caught fire after lightning struck the home twice. Now there is nothing left but a charred dryer and refrigerator.
"We lost all of the documentation of not only our children but our lives," Koltz said.
For Joel and Rachel there are no pieces to pick up or salvage. The couple built the home in 1993. Back then they were one of the first in the area.
Since then a lot of neighbors have moved in, and it's their neighbors who've all come together to help them out in their time of need.
"My heart breaks for them its a devastating loss and we want to help as best we can," neighbor Susan Lubner said.
Neighbors have set up a fund for the family called Southborough Strong, which has already reached more than $11,000.
"I couldn't have asked for better neighbors. I'm blown away by their support and love," Rachel said.
The family has also set up a photo drive email address for people to send photos they may have of their family.
"I guess if I had an overwhelming message it's pay it forward," Koltz said.