SILSBEE, Texas — An early morning house fire has claimed the lives of a Hardin County man and his wife.
The fire, in the 4500 block of Old Spurger Highway, north of Silsbee, claimed the lives of the couple, according to Hardin County Sheriff Mark Davis.
Firefighters were sent to the home at about 3:40 a.m. and when they arrived on the scene the house was "heavily involved" with at least 80 percent of the home in flames Silsbee Fire Chief Robin Jones told 12News Tuesday morning.
The victims have been identified as Billy Wayne Rose, 59, and Carolyn Rose, 62, according to Jones. The husband and wife were pronounced dead at the scene by Hardin County Precinct One Justice of the Peace Chris Ingram.
Family and friends have spoken out in remembrance of the beloved couple.
"They loved each other. They always took care of everybody else," said family friend Miranda Pollock.
Pollock said Billy coached her little league softball team growing up. They remained close, and Billy cheered her on all along the way. She said Billy was proud when she signed to play college softball at Lamar State College-Port Arthur.
"He's really one of those people who cares about a lot of people. He's everyone's best friend. He takes care of others. He's a really great guy," Pollock said.
Pollock said it was devastating to learn the loving couple lost their lives in a house fire.
"I just started crying. I dropped my phone, started crying, and told my friend I needed to go home to be with my family," Pollock said.
Pollock said she wishes she could've spent more time with Billy and his wife. But she's trying to hold on to all the good memories especially the memories they shared on the field.
"All you can think about is the good memories. Not the what-ifs or anything like that," Pollock said.
Chief Jones said the community is feeling this loss.
“This is a real tragedy,” Jones said. “We don't have this many types of fires where we have fatalities. With family being here and all that it makes this real hard."
A second home, behind the burned house and on the same lot, was also damaged by the fire but Jones said no one currently lives in the second house.
No other injuries were reported during the fire Jones told 12News.
Officials do not believe the fire was intentionally set according to Davis.
The Texas State Fire Marshal's office and the Lumberton fire marshal are assisting in the investigation according to Jones.
Firefighters from the Silsbee Fire Department and medics from Acadian Ambulance responded to the fire Jones said.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
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