Victor Cola Jr. Obituary, Death – A tragic fire in New Iberia left one man dead and a family homeless on Friday night. The incident took place just before midnight when the New Iberia Police Department received a call about a fire at a home on Elizabeth Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered that 74-year-old Victor Cola Jr. had died inside his home. The victim was later identified by his daughter, Inga Dorsey.
In a separate but equally distressing situation, Marissa Jones and her family, living in a nearby house, were alerted to the fire by a concerned neighbor. Initially, they mistook the sounds of the fire for a gunshot, not realizing the severity of the situation. Around 10:30 p.m., they were awoken by what they thought were fireworks. Realizing the danger, Jones and her husband immediately woke their three children and evacuated their home.
After escaping the house, they were struck by the sight of the flames consuming the nearby property. Jones described the moment as one where “everything set in,” and she felt her body go numb from the shock of the situation. Fortunately, the family made it out safely, but their home suffered extensive damage. According to Jones, the roof of their house was completely destroyed, and parts of the structure caved in. In addition to the damage to their home, Jones’ husband’s car was also destroyed in the fire. This loss has left the family not only without a place to live but also without the vehicle that was essential for daily commuting to work.
Jones expressed that the damage to their home was a significant blow to her family, but she also emphasized the importance of having an escape plan in place in case of emergencies. Reflecting on the traumatic experience, she urged other homeowners to think ahead and plan escape routes in the event of a fire. She noted that, like many, she had never experienced a fire like this before, and being prepared could make a critical difference in ensuring the safety of loved ones.
As the family works to recover from the devastating fire, they have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for necessary repairs to their home and to assist with funeral expenses for their deceased neighbor. The funds will also help cover the costs of the tragic loss of their neighbor, Victor Cola Jr., who perished in the fire. The Jones family hopes that with the community’s support, they will be able to rebuild their lives and honor their neighbor’s memory.
The fire serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive nature of such incidents. For the Jones family, it has been an emotionally and financially challenging time. However, through their GoFundMe campaign, they aim to raise awareness and rally support from the community to help them rebuild their lives and cope with the losses they have experienced.
This tragic event also highlights the importance of fire safety and preparedness. Inga Dorsey, the daughter of the deceased man, along with the Jones family, is left to deal with the aftermath of the fire, which has disrupted not only their lives but the lives of many others in the neighborhood. The community’s response will likely play a crucial role in helping these families recover from this unfortunate event.
As investigations continue into the cause of the fire, the police have not yet released any further details about the circumstances surrounding the blaze. The community remains in shock, grappling with the loss of life and property. In the face of such devastation, the outpouring of support for the Jones family and the Cola family demonstrates the strength of the community in times of crisis.
In conclusion, this fire has caused irreparable loss for the Cola family, with the death of Victor Cola Jr. and the destruction of his home. Simultaneously, it has left the Jones family without a home, vehicle, and a sense of normalcy. The family is now focused on recovery, both physically and emotionally, and hopes to raise funds for the necessary repairs and funeral expenses. This tragic event serves as an important reminder to all homeowners about the importance of preparation, as the unpredictable nature of fires can change lives in an instant.