Fundraiser Started For Funerals Of Father & Son Killed In Knox County Fire

An online fundraising effort is underway to help pay for the funerals of a father and son who were killed in a fire at their Washington home Monday morning.

Steven Rhodes, 53, and his on, Isaac Rhodes, 25, were killed when fire destroyed their home on Cattle Pound Road.

Firefighters said the blaze started in the basement of the one-story home and quickly spread upstairs.

Steven and his wife, Elizabeth Rhodes, 56, managed to escape the burning home, but when the couple realized their son, Isaac, who had Down syndrome, was still inside, Steven went back in the home to rescue his son.

“He did not hesitate. He went right in, but the smoke was too thick," Elizabeth told centralmaine.com. "I think they both probably became overcome by the smoke.”

Steven coached youth basketball. He was a devout Christian and would sometimes preach at his church. Isaac graduated from Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro and participated in programs offered by Mobius Incorporated, a local nonprofit that assists people with disabilities.

The State Fire Marshall's Office has not yet released the cause of the fire, and the State Medical Examiner's Office has not released the causes of death for the father and son.

A YouCaring page has been set up to help pay for funeral costs. The money will also be used help Elizabeth, who suffered burns and smoke inhalation in the fire, pay for the living expenses she will face after she is released from the hospital.

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $16,000 had already been raised through the YouCaring page.