AUSTIN, Texas — A fire during an event at Austin High School last month has now turned deadly.
Three people were hurt, including Sam Herrera, who had burns on 60% of his body. He died on Wednesday from his injuries.
Joy Lobb, the president of the orchestra's booster program, said Sam Herrera was the husband of orchestra director Ana Solis-Herrera. Lobb said that for the past 20 years, Sam Herrera has been by his wife's side, helping with the program and making sure it thrives.
That's exactly what he said Sam Herrera was doing that day.
"He was always right there just making sure that it all happened," Lobb said. "The same thing with other parts, like the food aspect. He was an avid barbecuer. He loved to cook barbecue food and serve it and have a good time at monster concerts. I would guess that was his favorite orchestra event."
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The fire happened in October during the orchestra's Monster Concert and Carnival. The Austin Fire Department said a gas tank got too close to a grill, causing an accidental flash fire.
Lobb also said Sam Herrera was kind and warm and always made sure the students had what they needed, whether it was uniforms or instruments.
He was so beloved that when word got out about the accident, it didn't take long for the GoFundMe for the victims to surpass $100,000.
The school is working on a plan to honor Sam Herrera. Those details will be released at a later time.