A man is being hailed as a hero after he died saving his teenage son in the Oklahoma wildfires.
On Monday, March 17, the Oklahoma House of Representatives announced in a statement that a father from Oklahoma had died saving his son Will — who “remains in critical condition — in the state’s wildfires last week.
“The wildfires that tore through our communities last week have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak,” Oklahoma House Rep. Jim Shaw said in a statement.
“My heart goes out to all those affected, including the Ferguson family, who suffered an unimaginable loss,” Shaw, 40, continued. “Allen Ferguson, a beloved youth wrestling coach in Chandler, tragically lost his life while trying to save his son, Will, who remains in critical condition.”
The statement added, “Allen was a hero, and his dedication to his family and our community will never be forgotten.”
A sign in Yale, Oklahoma, warns residents of the risk of wildfires on March 17.
Scott Olson/Getty
Speaking to ABC News, family friend Shane Earp described the father of four boys as a “good man and a hero.”
Earp told the outlet that Ferguson carried his 15-year-old son through the fire in Chandler to a street. The pair were then found by rescuers before being taken via ambulance to the hospital.
Ferguson, who suffered severe burns, tragically died at the hospital on Saturday, March 15, Earp said, adding that the proud dad was a “great man all around.”
“Whether it be fishing, metal detecting, sports, making art out of anything, Civil War reenactment and many other things, if his family was interested in it, he would find a way to learn it and make it happen,” he continued. “Always had jokes and funny comments so you must be ready to laugh when around him.”
A stock photo of a fire truck.
Getty
According to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management, citing the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, there have been a total of four fatalities related to the fires or high winds.
There have also been 200 injuries and more than 400 homes have been destroyed.In his statement, Shaw expressed his gratitude to first responders, firefighters and volunteers for their work during the wildfires.
“The resilience and generosity of our community has been evident in the way neighbors have come together to support one another in this time of crisis,” he said.
“My prayers are with all those who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones,” he continued. “In the face of such devastation, our community’s strength and compassion continues to shine. We will stand together to support those in need as we begin the long road to recovery.”
He added, “My office is available to help connect those affected by the fires with resources and support. We will continue working with state and local officials to assist in recovery efforts as our communities rebuild.”
