
Moment Utah strip mall explodes in massive blast after vehicle crash

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The Guardian
33 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Families confirm five people died in blast at California fireworks warehouse
Family members are still searching for answers following last week's explosion at a fireworks warehouse in northern California. Authorities confirmed on Sunday that the remains of the seven people missing in the blast have been recovered. Family and community members have confirmed five of the victims as Jesus Ramos, Jhony Ramos, Joel 'Junior' Melendez, Angel Voller and Carlos Rodriguez. Two victims are still unidentified. A GoFundMe page has been set up for brothers Jhony and Jesus Ramos. Jesus, the younger of the pair, was a soon-to-be father whose first day on the job coincided with the deadly explosion. 'He was excited to be a dad. Only two months and we were just waiting for this, a new opportunity, a new chapter. He saw it as a new chapter in our life,' Syanna Ruiz, Jesus Ramos' girlfriend, told ABC10, Sacramento's ABC affiliate. 'He was excited.' Joel Melendez's mother told the same outlet that she remains without answers surrounding the explosion that claimed the life of her 28-year-old son, who was a father of one with another baby on the way. 'He's my baby,' Lupe Melendez Mendoza told ABC10. 'And I don't know, I'm not getting answers. I don't know where he's at. I don't know what happened. I just know that he loves his wife.' All human remains have been recovered from the charred warehouse site, but the identities of the deceased were being withheld pending family notifications. Two people were treated for injuries following the blast in the town of Esparto, Yolo county officials said in a statement Sunday. The warehouse was managed by Devastating Pyrotechnics, which has more than 30 years of experience designing and producing fireworks shows, according to a screenshot of its website before it was taken down. 'Our hearts and thoughts are with those we lost, their families, and everyone impacted in our community,' the company said in a statement last week. 'Our focus will remain on those directly impacted by this tragedy, and we will cooperate fully with the proper authorities in their investigation.' The wildfire covered nearly 80 acres (33 hectares) and scorched surrounding agricultural fields, officials said.


Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Dallas Cowboys hero and iconic civil rights activist Pettis Norman dies at 86
Former Dallas Cowboys star Pettis Norman has died aged 86. The NFL franchise confirmed the news with a statement on Monday, which read: 'We mourn the passing of former tight end and civil rights advocate Pettis Norman. 'Known for his selfless leadership, commitment to community, and dedication to creating equal opportunity, we were incredibly proud and grateful to share his remarkable story recently'. Norman was selected by the Dallas Texans in the 2962 AFL Draft however never played for the side. He eventually joined the Cowboys as a free agent. The former tight end spent nine seasons with the franchise and - across 121 games - recorded 124 catches, 14 touchdowns and over 1,600 receiving yards. Away from the football pitch, Norman was also an entrepreneur and a civil rights activist. He influenced the changing of the team's roommate assignments and helped break social barriers. He also founded the Dallas Together Forum, which worked alongside Dallas CEOs to improve minority hiring. He also once sued the Dallas Cowboys and San Diego Chargers over 'medical negligence' regarding the handling of an injured knee. A family statement read: '[Norman] passed away peacefully in his sleep... surrounded by his loving wife, daughters, grandson, and great grandchildren. 'A strong advocate for civil rights and dedicated to creating opportunities for all, Mr. Norman was a respected business executive and civic leader, known widely for his accomplishments both on and off the field. 'He leaves behind a legacy of selfless leadership, advocacy on behalf of underserved people, and a deep commitment to his community.'


Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
16 & Pregnant star Whitney Purvis penned memorial for man whose overdose death she's charged in
MTV star Whitney Purvis, who appeared on the reality show 16 and Pregnant, penned an emotional memorial for the man whose fatal drug overdose she was formally charged with on Monday. Purvis, 33, took to the site of the funeral home which handled arrangements for John Mark Harris, a 37-year-old chef who authorities said Purvis provided deadly drugs to. 'John mark, I hate that I found out what happened today and missed your funeral,' Purvis wrote on the Henderson & Sons Funeral Home site March 3. Purvis posted the message more than three months before she was arrested Monday in Floyd County, Georgia in connection with with involuntary manslaughter and distribution of a controlled substance, among other felony counts, TMZ reported Monday. 'I wish I could've found out sooner and attended your celebration of life,' the reality star said. Purvis thanked her late confidante 'for being such a great friend to me and always making me feel beautiful and cared for.' Purvis said that her late friend had been a dear one, as they grew close over their passion for cooking. 'We bonded over being chefs, our love of cooking and our struggle,' she said. She praised Harris for his candor and intelligence in their interactions over the years. 'I could tell you anything and you always knew what to say or give me your honest opinion and advice,' Purvis said. The MTV alum added 'You've came to my rescue on many occasions and saved me over the years. 'I am so very thankful for the times we had together.' Purvis - who's also charged with use of a communication device to commit a felony involving controlled substances - said that she was dealing with serious emotional trauma over the loss of her friend. 'My brain just can't process this happened. I don't want it to be true,' she said. Purvis listed off a number of things she associated with him that she would miss in the wake of her friend's passing. 'I'll miss waking up to your silly messages and pictures you'd send me,' she said. 'I'll miss marshal and lunchbox. I'll miss your amazing cooking. I'll miss snuggling on the couch watching tv with you. 'I'll miss sitting outside, smoking camel crush cigs w/ you how we talked about talked about life, gossiping and you telling me what movies/shows I need to watch next.' Purvis characterized her late friend as 'a truly good hearted, one of a kind man' who she would 'never forget.' Purvis, who has more than 17,500 followers on Instagram, wrapped up in saying: 'Rest in peace and my condolences to your family and friends. 'I pray they are able to find some kind of comfort during this tragic time. I love you forever, John Mark. Love, Whitney.'