Nationwide — Je’raevion King, a 15-year-old African American teen from Topeka, Kansas, is being praised for saving his family from a kitchen fire after oil ignited while they slept. However, he suffered third-degree burns while attempting to extinguish flames and remains hospitalized currently.
According to WLBT, the fire started on the evening of April 16 inside the family’s kitchen when a pot of cooking oil suddenly ignited. Je’raevion’s mother and sisters were asleep at the time and did not realize smoke had already begun spreading through the home.
Je’raevion woke up to the smoke and ran toward the kitchen. He grabbed the burning pot in an effort to stop the flames from spreading further, but he slipped during the attempt and came into direct contact with the fire.
The incident left him with severe injuries across a large portion of his body. Reports say about 25 percent of his body suffered burns, including his right arm, hip, and leg down to his toes.
Doctors confirmed third-degree burns and immediately placed him under intensive care. He has already undergone multiple surgeries as medical teams continue treating his injuries.
His mother, who is about 30 weeks pregnant, has been dividing her time between the hospital and home. While he recovers, the Highland Park community has stepped in with support. Friends, school teammates, parents, and local families have raised funds to help cover his growing medical expenses.
Those close to him describe Je’raevion as positive and resilient. He often encourages others with the phrase, “The comeback is always stronger than the setback,” which his teammates continue to share in his support.
A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover Je’raevion’s ongoing medical treatment and recovery needs as he continues healing from the house fire injuries. It has so far raised nearly $7,000.