Copeland Family Fire

ABC Channel 4 Salt Lake City Utah State Fire Marshall’s Office report on SDC television station. Kyle Copeland called a hero after running into the fiery inferno of their burning RV.

 Tom Kerr, Jr. (1:00 PM, Tuesday, 1/11/22) I saw this video and had to share. Krew, with bundled hand and bandaged face finds, for a few minutes, the simple joy he's always loved; rolling a car and watching the wheels turn round and round. I should probably add a disclaimer here. Although I love seeing their progress, most of you are probably aware that there is a long and very difficult time ahead. Earlier, when I mentioned that Pepper had a shower, it was NOT the hot, exhilarating shower that you and I enjoy. It was an excruciatingly painful antiseptic shower. The doctor reported this morning that the kids are looking at many months in the hospital. So, don't allow my posts of happy moments and significant successes mislead you into thinking it's all behind them. 

 Tom Kerr, Jr. (9:09 am EST, Tuesday, 1/11/22) It has been approximately 335 hours since the fire. In that amount of time, we have gone from disbelief that it happened, to disbelief in the support and blessings, to now, a disbelief in how far they have come. It amazes me how the human body, these great gifts, are capable of healing themselves. All of the technology and medical advances are simply about helping the body do what only it can do; to fight for life and heal itself. Kyle has probably undergone his last surgery for his burns. He is looking amazing, and improvements are happening right before our eyes. Pepper was able to receive a full shower in the burn unit yesterday. Afterwards, they wrapped her up in new bandages and she was even able to sit on the edge of her bed for one minute. She hated all of it, but the advances she is making are mind boggling. Seeing her little face and being able to recognize her as Pepper is a wonderful thing. She is stunningly beautiful! Krew ...

Tom Kerr, Jr. (4:56 pm EST, Sunday, 1/9/22) Within the amount of time it takes to drive from Ashton, Idaho to St. George Utah, during a winter storm, Emree and Kade's uncle Skyler (Whitney's older brother) arrived at Shay's home. He loaded Kade, Emree and their dog Hazel, who had been found the night before, and they headed off for Ashton Idaho that morning. I can't begin to tell you the feelings of relief and gratitude I felt when my son sent this picture of Emree, Kade and Hazel sleeping soundly in the back seat of his truck. It was a long drive back home, so they needed a pitstop. They were able to stop at a friendly home in Herriman, Utah, where they found a hot dinner, baths, beds, toothbrushes, pajamas and hugs from Bill and Diane Pappa.  They left the next morning and were able to make a stop to see their aunt Danielle and aunt Courtney and their cousins from Stansbury Park.  Then it was off to Ashton, where their Aunt Millie was waiting for them. They have beds,...

Tom Kerr, Jr. (7:21am EST, Sunday, 1/9/22) I received some updates from Julie and Whitney last night. There is discussion among the doctors that Kyle may have had his last surgery. His mending has been significant, and we are hopeful that it may continue without having any more surgeries. And yes, hearing that was a Rocky moment. Pepper had her breathing tube removed and has been able to enjoy some ice chips. The nurses even promised her a popsicle! I am trying to imagine what the anticipation must be like for her. I am trying to understand how incredible a popsicle would feel and taste for her. When Julie called last night, Krew was resting from a surgery. The doctors removed a rectangular patch of skin from his right thigh and used it as a graft for his hands. Shortly after the surgery, he developed a fever that reached 104. But after removing his blankets and some icy sponge baths, his fever fell to 102. I am not sure if it is the angle of this photo, but I think Krew is growing! He...

From The  Copeland Family Updates:   On Friday, at the request of the family, a group of wonderful people from Dammeron Valley, headed by Gloria Boberg, head of the nonprofit, Big Ocean Women, converged on the burned-out wreckage at the lot it’s being stored in St. George, Utah to try and salvage any person possessions that may have survived the fire and explosions . Rebecca Leavitt Ivatt was there and this is her record of the day along with her photos. 🙏🏻 Copeland Motor Home Salvage, Friday, 1/7/2022 At about 1:30 PM I got a text message from Gloria, the President of an amazing service-oriented group called “Big Ocean Women”.  We are the St. George, UT Cottage but many of the members live out in rural pocket communities, myself in Dammeron Valley. Gloria, also of Dammeron Valley, texted to advise that Whitney Copeland had sent a message to Janie of Brookside, UT, one of our newest Big Ocean Women (BOW) members, that the insurance company covering her family’s burned a...

Tom Kerr, Jr. (11:40 EST, Friday, 1/7/22) Even though it is early in Las Vegas, I was able to speak with Whitney and Julie this morning. Both of them sound exhausted. Between Gayle, Greg, Julie and Whitney, they take turns and rotate through the three rooms, ensuring there is someone near 24/7. Each gets a break on occasion to find a place to sleep, clean up then jump back into the rotation. Because of hospital rules, no one can take their place. Whitney stated that the nurses, doctors and staff have been unbelievably helpful, supportive and kind. She even stated that the lady that comes to clean the rooms and empty the trash began weeping as she spoke with Whitney. Then she held the hands of Whitney and Kyle and in the words of Whitney, "offered the most touching and profound prayer for the family." I was able to get more detail on Pepper. I know that so many of you, like me, are anxious to hear how things are following the report of last night. Pepper is resting. They have ...

Tom Kerr, Jr. (9:09 pm EST, Thursday, 1/6/22)  I did not get much detail today and have little to report. I suppose we can expect progress to slow and milestones to be less frequent. I would also guess that since I have heard little, that Whitney, Julie, Gayle and Greg are feeling exhausted. I do know that last night, Pepper went in for surgery at 3pm PST, much later than was anticipated, and was in surgery for several hours. I also know that when she came out of surgery, the doctors had concerns and so Pepper was returned to her room to be sedated once again and to have the breathing tube reinserted. I can't say with certainty what the prognosis or concerns were, but there was mention of the burns being deeper than originally recognized and signs of infection. Krew was moved into a bed instead of a crib. Now Whitney can lay down beside him and he is able to find more comfort next to his mommy.  Kyle's dad, Greg, reported earlier today that it was a good day for Kyle. His repo...

Tom Kerr, Jr. (7:06 pm EST, Wednesday, 1/5/22) My phone rang this morning at about 10am EST, with Whitney's face on the screen. That's pretty early for Las Vegas. When I answered, she said hello and said that Kyle wanted to talk with me. It's the first time I have heard him speak since the fire. I could not recognize anything about his voice. The tone, timbre, cadence, inflections; everything about his voice was different. It was a high-pitched squeak, and he had to pause to form the words, and strain to say them loud enough. It's obvious that his vocal cords need healing, too. I was able to understand him, but there was nothing about that voice that sounded like Kyle to me. Even though his voice was strained and difficult, we were able to talk for a few seconds. He assured me that he was good and that things are moving in the right direction. Whitney reported that Kyle is able now to get up from his bed on occasion and make his way to a chair in the room. A pretty fine...