Purple Heart Veteran Saves 3-Year-Old Granddaughter's Life In Gas Explosion

Oct 07, 2019 by apost team

Purple Heart recipient Don Osteen is being praised for his heroic actions after sacrificing his own life to save his 3-year-old granddaughter when their home exploded.

Osteen, who was 69 years old at the time of his passing, was with his granddaughter Paetyn, 3, when their Oklahoma home exploded due to a propane gas leak. 

"Not only was the fire devastating, but the entire house collapsed on them both during the fire," reads the family’s GoFundMe page. "Papa rushed to cover Pae with his body to save her from the collapsing house and flames."

apost.com

Brendon Osteen, who is Don Osteen’s son, revealed to local television station KFOR that his father had lit a candle next to the stove when the explosion took place. 

“He wasn`t worried about himself at all," said Brendon, as cited by FOX news. "I'll leave it at that, but save her was the message he was trying to get across and he did exactly that."

As a result of the explosion, Don suffered major injuries including broken ribs, third-degree burns on over 70% of his body, and a collapsed lung. The grandfather reportedly still grabbed his granddaughter to get her to safety despite his injuries. 

“He just got out of the house and headed straight to where he knew help was," said Brendon. "He tried to get in his truck and his keys were melted to him. His phone was exploded in his pocket."

Don and Paetyn were airlifted to the Integris Burn Center in Oklahoma City for treatment. Five days following the tragic explosion, Don succumbed to his injuries. 

“Unfortunately my dad Don O’Steen passed away this afternoon around 1pm,” his son wrote in a Facebook post. “He was surrounded by a large group of his favorite people for his last 5 days. He knew that he did his job by saving the life of his Boo Boo Chicken. He loved my daughter beyond unconditionally. And he gave it all for her to live.”

Although Don tragically passed away, 3-year-old Paetyn is “heeling up wonderfully,” as her father stated in another facebook post.

“We are all hoping she can be released on Next Wednesday or Thursday. We will need to return for bandage changes but we will be so happy to leave the hospital,” an update on the family’s GoFundMe page. “All the doctors, nurses and staff have been wonderful and we so appreciate their care for Pae. Thank you all for continuing to follow Pae's progress.”

RIP Don Osteen. Have you ever witnessed such a selfless act of heroism? Let us know in the comments - and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!