ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - People are sending thoughts and prayers to the families affected by a deadly house that killed two children. The incident happened around 1:15 Saturday morning in the 7600 block of Mount Chestnut Road.
A statement issued on Sunday from Pete Eshelman, a friend of the family, read:
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Tom & Lindsay McKinnon suffered a devastating loss Friday night as a fire took their home on Mt. Chestnut Road. Christy & Zack Montoya and their two girls, close family friends, were visiting for the weekend. While Tom & Lindsay and the Montoya family made it out safely, Tom & Lindsay's children, Patrick (10) and Logan McKinnon (5), did not. All survivors were initially taken to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Zack and the two girls were released from Roanoke Memorial. Christy, Tom & Lindsay were transferred to Winston-Salem's burn unit for further care.
Tom & Lindsay McKinnon are in stable condition being monitored for smoke inhalation. They are being transferred out of the ICU to a regular floor which is good news, as their physical condition is improving. They are overcome with grief but are beginning the long journey of working through the shock and grief of what they experienced.
Christy suffered burns predominately to her arms, back and minor burns to her face. While her condition was initially critical, she is now stable. She will continue to be treated in the Winston-Salem burn unit for the next few weeks. She has been able to walk and while she too has a long journey ahead, her spirit is strong.
They are surrounded by a myriad of family and close friends. The outpouring of support and concern for them has been a tremendous comfort to all. The family would like to submit a special thanks to the Roanoke Valley EMS crews.
There are a lot of unanswered questions that will come in time. The cause of the fire is unknown. While we may never know the answers to so many of our questions, one certainty is that these families are surrounded by love. At this time, the families appreciate your respect for their privacy.
The McKinnon & Montoya families and this community have suffered a tremendous loss. You can contribute to https://youcaring.com/mckinnon to support the McKinnon Family and also to https://youcaring.com/christymontoya to support the Montoya family. You can also show your support for them by holding your loved ones closer.