Peanut's story: Oklahoma toddler’s inspiring recovery after tragic fire

After weeks of recovery in the hospital, three-year-old Richie “Peanut” Eubanks rang the bell to mark his remarkable journey home. Peanut suffered second- and third-degree burns in a house fire in February on NW 24th Street. The fire claimed the lives of Peanut’s mother, Ashley, and his half-brother, Ollie. Peanut’s father, Richard, rushed back into the flames to save his son, but later succumbed to his injuries.

Peanut’s burns covered 27 percent of his small body. He underwent two surgeries for burns to his right arm and hand.

“It was a lot,” said his aunt, Lainie Eubanks, who, along with her husband Tracy, has been helping care for him. “He amazes us every day.”

On the day Peanut was discharged, the hospital staff threw a special celebration, a bubble parade through the halls, followed by the ceremonial ringing of the bell, to mark his incredible progress.

RELATED: Toddler survives fatal OKC fire, released after 5 weeks in hospital

“We were just so unbelievably happy and proud of him,” Lainie said.

Back at home, Peanut is thriving surrounded by his cousins, aunt, and uncle.

“He just blends right in like he’s always been here,” Lainie added. “My daughter's kind of a little mother hen so she loves to take care of him.” 

Lainie says Peanut’s adjustment to home life has been smooth.

“He'll grab his little blankie when it's almost bedtime or nap time,” Lainie said. “He just tootles in there and goes to bed and wakes up happy, he's a good little eater, he plays hard, he's very empathetic. He really is just an amazing little guy.”

Like his father Richard, for heroically saving Peanut, the family has begun calling Peanut Richie, in honor of his father.

“He has so many of his traits, his funny sense of humor and kind of being the center of attention and loves to make people laugh and be silly,” Lainie said. “I feel like us calling him Richie just fits right in with who his dad was and how much they are alike.”

Peanut’s journey of recovery is far from over. He will continue physical therapy and may require laser treatments in the future. His two half-sisters, who also survived the fire, are in the care of other family members and are doing well.

The Oklahoma City Fire Department is continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. Investigators said there were no working smoke detectors in the home.