PINETOP, AZ — An Arizona woman died in a tragic Pinetop house fire early Sunday morning, but not before reportedly performing a final act of heroism to save her neighbor's life.
When firefighters arrived at the home, they found Julie McNeil and her neighbor, Louanne Kilmer.
McNeil did not survive the fire. Firefighters rescued Kilmer, who is now off a ventilator and recovering.
McNeil's daughter, Christi DeHaven, received the devastating news later that day.
"When the officer had shared the news with me, it was like 20 seconds of shock and then uncontrollable tears all day long on Sunday," DeHaven said.
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According to DeHaven, her mother had a lifelong habit of looking out for others. She recalled a time when McNeil went to check on a co-worker who had missed a shift.
“My mom climbed through her doggy door to get to her and get her to the hospital," DeHaven said. "She was everyone's hero. Uh, she loved fiercely. And she was always putting others before herself."
"I keep hearing these kinds of stories and she just was so in tune with people. She knew when something was wrong and she knew how to help," DeHaven said.
Louanne's granddaughter, Melody Kilmer, recalled the terrifying early morning wake-up call when she learned of the fire.
"My dad woke me up at 3 o'clock in the morning on the 31st,” Melody said. “He told me my grandma's house had burned down."
Louanne's loved ones believe McNeil's selfless actions are the reason Louanne is still alive today.
"Firefighters found [Louanne] close to the back of the house, so my grandma heard her calling for her and we think that Julie, in an act of heroism, risked her life for my grandma, so my grandma could get up," Melody said.
Melody emphasized McNeil's impact on those around her, noting her place in the neighborhood.
"Julie was a big part of that community. She was caring to everybody," Melody said.
Despite the immense loss, Melody shared that her family is finding comfort in their faith, specifically leaning on two Bible verses: Philippians 4:13, reading "I can do all things through him who strengthens me,” and Proverbs 3:5-6, which reads "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Initial investigations determined electrical issues as a likely cause of the deadly blaze.
GoFundMe campaigns have been set up to support both Louanne and Julie's family. You can find the link to support Christi DeHaven's family here and Louanne and her family here.
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