UPDATE: Aug. 21 at 8:30 a.m.
The Hamilton County Coroner in Cincinnati confirmed that Clark County man, Eugene Snowden, has died following a fire at his home that left him covered in burns on Aug. 18. He was 62.
LEX 18 previously reported that Snowden was airlifted to a Cincinnati hospital after he sustained burns on his legs and feet during the Winchester fire.
The coroner reported that Snowden died on Thursday morning.
The Snowden family released the following statement about his passing:
This morning at 4:35 AM, my uncle, Eugene John Snowden Jr., went home to be with the Lord. Our hearts are broken, but we take comfort knowing he is no longer in pain.
He was loved deeply by his family, and his presence will be greatly missed. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we walk through this difficult time.
Covering Kentucky
Report: Man in Winchester airlifted to Cincinnati hospital after structure fire
Original Story:
A 63-year-old Clark County man remains hospitalized with severe burns after a fire broke out at his home Monday afternoon.
Eugene Snowden was airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Burn Unit, where he has been for three days. His nephew, Paul Mullins, said 90% of Snowden's body is covered in burns.
"The firefighter said when he came in there, he was just screaming, 'Help me, help me,' and they were doing the best they could," Mullins said.
Snowden is currently on a ventilator to help him breathe. Mullins said doctors told the family it will take more than 10 surgeries to help his uncle, making it a long road to recovery.
"I grew up without my father and he stepped into that role, not as my father, but someone I could lean on and go to. And he's always been there. He never shot away from a challenge," Mullins said.
Snowden previously volunteered with the Winchester Fire Department and continued visiting the station even after his health began to decline.
"He had a hard time cutting ties with the guys when he got older and his health started to decline, but he always went down there to try to lift their spirits and to share stories from the past," Mullins said.
The family said while Snowden has always been known as a fighter, tough decisions will have to be made. They are asking the community for prayers and support during this difficult time.
"We're dependent on God, but you know, there's an old saying it takes a village," Mullins said.
"We just want everyone to pray for him, pray for our family, and if you feel the need to help us financially, it'll be greatly appreciated and those funds will only be used to help serve him and his medical bills and his last wishes," Mullins said.
The family has set up a fundraiser to help pay for medical bills and future needs.
