A Riverside man who heroically intervened during a fire at an apartment complex now faces a daunting recovery in hospital. Brian Jackson, who has been described by his family as a true hero, sustained serious injuries while attempting to save a pregnant woman. His stepdaughter, Elexis Hernandez, has initiated a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the mounting medical expenses associated with his treatment.
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On the morning of September 17, the Riverside Fire Department responded to an urgent call regarding a structure fire that broke out in a two-storey residential building shortly after 2:15 a.m. Fire Division Chief Greg White reported that fire crews arrived to find the building engulfed in flames, with residents attempting to escape the inferno, some hanging from windows and others suffering from injuries after jumping to safety.
Reports indicate that among those in distress was a pregnant woman who had make a desperate leap from a window prior to the fire fighters’ arrival. Emergency services successfully rescued the individuals in peril and treated those who had already escaped. Sadly, three dogs perished in the blaze, although two others were saved.
Following his courageous attempt to assist the woman, Jackson was taken to Riverside Community Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The extent of his injuries is severe, with both legs and ankles broken, and he has lost feeling in his right foot. Hernandez provided insight into Jackson’s condition, stating he now faces the very real possibility of losing both legs.
Reflecting on the incident, Jackson recounted the moments leading up to his injury during an interview from his hospital bed. He saw the pregnant woman poised to jump from a high window and told her that doing so could be fatal. He bravely offered to go first, only to be forced away from the window when an explosion occurred.
Despite his critical condition, Jackson’s thoughts were immediately directed towards the woman and her unborn child. His daughter, Maia Gutierrez, reported that upon regaining consciousness, his primary concern was their wellbeing, highlighting his selflessness in the face of personal tragedy.
Hernandez, along with Jackson’s other daughter, Tehani Gutierrez, has expressed deep concerns about the financial implications of Jackson’s injuries. Before the fire, Jackson had been living in his vehicle while working full-time, which has exacerbated the family’s precarious financial situation as he now confronts extensive rehabilitation and multiple surgeries.
In light of the overwhelming medical bills accumulating as a result of Jackson’s treatment, Hernandez launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has gained significant traction, raising over £24,000 in just a few days. In her appeal to the public, Hernandez emphasised the extraordinary nature of her stepfather’s actions, stating, “Now, my hero is stuck in a hospital bed, broken and in pain.” She outlined the gravity of the situation, noting that Jackson will be unable to work for an extended period and that the family is struggling to keep everything together.
As he begins a long road to recovery, the support from the community and beyond has offered a glimmer of hope for the Jackson family. Hernandez and Gutierrez are determined to ensure that Jackson receives the care he needs as he faces an uncertain future, whilst also seeking to honour his brave act of kindness in the face of danger.