14-year-old Southern California boy dies after being rescued from house fire in Jurupa Valley
A 14-year-old boy has died after days on life support following his rescue from his family's burning home early Thursday morning in Jurupa Valley.
Crews from the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department responded to the 3000 block of Pacific Avenue at 1:59 a.m. When firefighters arrived, the single-story home was fully engulfed in flames.
The boy was trapped inside the home but was quickly rescued by firefighters. CBS News Los Angeles spoke with the boy's stepmother, who said he was transported to a nearby hospital and is on life support.
The boy's older brother was cut by a broken window trying to save him, he was transported to the hospital, the stepmother said. Five dogs were also killed during the fire.
"My son, he was in deep sleep, and we were all trying to get to him, but the smoke was just so bad," the father said.
On Saturday, family told KCAL News that the boy, Zach Diaz, died at the hospital.
The family said they were woken up by flames coming from their kitchen. Neighbors tried to help but were fearful the fire would spread to their properties.
Neighbors said the family was a part of a nonprofit organization, Kidz Come First, and they would host food and toy giveaways from their home.
The cause of the fire remains unknown. A fire truck that was damaged by heat was towed away.
Fire officials have requested help from the Southern California Red Cross to assist the displaced family of eight.