Grandfather Dies in House Fire After Saving Family, Including 14-Year-Old Grandson He Ran Back in to Rescue

A California grandfather saved several members of his family from an early-morning house fire on Saturday, Dec. 27, but lost his life after running back inside to rescue his teenage grandson.

Fire crews responded to a home in Stockton, Calif., at 12:51 a.m., according to the Montezuma Fire Protection District. By the time firefighters arrived, the house was fully engulfed in flames, with at least four adults and two children inside. One adult was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family members identified the victim as Jose Villalta. According to relatives, Villalta was the first to wake up after noticing the fire. He immediately alerted others in the house, helping everyone escape safely—except for his 14-year-old grandson, who was still inside.

When Villalta realized the boy hadn’t made it out, he rushed back into the burning home. He managed to get his grandson to safety but did not survive.

“He woke up and the fire was already spreading through the house. He got everyone up — my mom, his son and my grandkids,” Villalta’s son, Wilbert Villalta, told ABC10. “They were standing outside when they realized my nephew was still in there. He went back in, and my dad never made it.”

Wilbert also told CBS Sacramento that his father acted without hesitation. “I’ve seen footage of the flames and they were intense. He got him out and then he just never came out,” he said.

Villalta was a retired custodian who previously worked for the Ripon Unified School District. He had also worked in sales and helped care for his grandchildren, according to a GoFundMe page organized by his daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Diaz.

“A migrant from El Salvador, Jose worked hard to provide for his family and to purchase a home for them,” the fundraiser states. “He was a husband to Flor, a father, grandfather, brother and friend to many who appreciated his bright smile and charismatic sense of humor.” The campaign has raised more than $17,000 to help cover funeral costs and temporary housing.

Despite the devastating loss, Wilbert said the family is drawing strength from Villalta’s faith and legacy.

“I think with faith, we can do it again, with faith and the community that surrounds us,” he told CBS Sacramento. “I have no doubt that we’re going to be OK. That’s what he knew. I love him dearly. Just thank you for everything.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office told ABC10 that its arson team has determined the blaze was not intentionally set.