Family left grieving after deadly fire in NW Oklahoma City; toddler fights for recovery

The extended family of Richard Junior, known as "Peanut," is speaking out about the tragic fire that killed his parents and half-brother.

Two-year-old Peanut suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns over 27% of his body in a house fire on Northwest 24th Street in the early morning hours of Friday, Feb. 7. Peanut’s uncle, Tracy Eubanks, has been by his nephew’s side ever since.

“It's been very difficult, but we’re being strong, we know that's what we need to do right now,” Eubanks said.

According to the Oklahoma City Fire Department, there were no working smoke detectors inside the home. Richard Eubanks, Tracy's brother, lived in the house with his fiancée Ashley Morton, and her three children, along with their son, Richard Jr. (Peanut). Ashley and her son Ollie died in the fire. Ashley’s teenage daughters, Lydia and Sophia, escaped the fire through an upstairs window. Richard and Peanut were hospitalized, but Richard later passed away.

“My brother, what I got out of him before his passing, is that he panicked at first and went outside and then realized the situation and went back in to get Peanut and did and then set him down and then went back in to try to get Ashley and Ollie,” Eubanks said. “He knew that he wasn't going to be able to, from what he told me.”

Tracy and his wife Lainie plan to care for Peanut once he’s released from the hospital.

“He's doing well given the situation,” Lainie Eubanks said.

With a quarter of his little body burned, the two-year-old has already had one surgery.

“For sure the right arm and hand at this point are the worst,” said Lainie. “Otherwise, the other injuries, the other burns are doing well, they're going to heal on their own.”

The family is hopeful for his recovery, and Tracy is thankful to have a constant reminder of his brother.

“It's just really helpful to see my brother through him,” Tracy said. “We plan to always let him know his mom and dad were the biggest fans of him and make sure that he stays in contact with his sisters,”

Even through his grief, he wants to warn others to have working smoke detectors, sleep with interior doors shut, and have a fire safety plan.

“Out of all this, I'd like to do that to help anybody that we could,” Tracy said. “Try to avoid any other casualties like this.”

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The girls who escaped the fire are physically okay and safe with other family members. Two GoFundMe accounts are set up for each family.

For Peanut’s medical expenses and his father’s memorial, click here: Fundraiser by Tracy Eubanks : In Memory of Richard & Aid for His Son

For Ashley and Ollie’s family, click here: Fundraiser for Tina Thoman by Kaylyn Hall : Help Lay Ashley and Ollie to Rest