A Newport News mother holds on to loved ones after learning her 20-year-old son Michael Passacantando was killed in a fire that spread throughout her Eastwood home.
While battling the flames, firefighters found him in his room. He was taken to the hospital where he died.
Four other family members were home when the blaze started. Stephanie Curpen says one even jumped out of a second story window.
Curpen adds,"I was hearing someone hollering and the next thing you know, there was smoke."
It took firefighters a while to get the fire out because it spread so quickly.
Firefighters say the cause of the fire was careless smoking.
Due to the amount of damage, the home was condemned. Crews say the preliminary estimate of the damage is around $80,000.
The Red Cross is now assisting the residents.
