WACO, Texas — A man was killed and a woman suffered nonlife-threatening injuries after a house fire in Waco Wednesday, officials said.
The Waco Fire Department was called at 6:38 a.m. to a home in the 1800 block of Gorman Ave.
Firefighters found flames and heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the home, where a 46-year-old man, whose family identified as Jimmy Rios, was trapped, Deputy Chief Robby Bergerson said.
PHOTOS: Waco house fire claims life of city worker
PHOTOS: Waco house fire claims life of city worker
Firefighters were able to get Rios out. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later pronounced dead, Bergerson said.
"This is family. Especially being this time of the year. It's undeserving," "I'm still trying to absorb everything because I'm still in total shock," cousin Freddy Rios said. "He worked for the city of Waco for a number of years." He was also a local DJ. He played a lot of Tejano music on the weekends, so he stayed very busy."
City of Waco spokesman Larry Holze said Rios worked in the facilities department and had been with the city for 20 years.
"He was well known and the entire city of Waco family is mourning," Holze said.
Rios wife, 44, who was also on the second floor, suffered injuries but is expected to be OK.
Rios 66-year-old mother also escaped the fire. She was not injured, officials said.
Michael Sanchez is Rios brother-in-law. He said Rios also goes by DJ Xtreme. He said the family was supposed to gather at the home for the holidays.
"We were going to do thanksgiving. We were supposed to come visit them, but this happened unexpectedly. Jimmy is kind hearted. Has one of the biggest hearts I know. He's always been there for me one way or the the other," said Sanchez.
Two firefighters were taken to a hospital with an elbow and an ankle injury, Bergerson said.
According to fire officials, there was fire on the first and second floors as well as the attic of the home.
Officials said the house had working smoke detectors.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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