A hero grandfather died after he ran into his burning California home to save his 14-year-old grandson, his heartbroken family said.
Jose Villalta, 69, sprinted into the home in Stockton early Saturday after realizing his grandson was the only one who hadn’t made it out of the inferno.
“Without hesitation, he goes inside. I’ve seen footage of the flames, and they were intense. He got [his grandson] out, and then, he just never came out,” his son, Wilbert Villalta, told Fox10.
Just moments before his tragic final act of love, the retired school custodian had managed to get all of his other family members out after smelling smoke.
His grief-stricken family said if it weren’t for his quick-thinking, the entire family may have been killed.
“After looking at the house, I realized that it could have been a lot worse. Everyone in there could have perished. So, it was a miracle that everyone got out,” the patriarch’s son said.
“He loved his family. I knew in my heart he would give his life for his family. I just didn’t expect it to happen.”
The blaze ended up torching the entire home.
It wasn’t immediately clear what sparked the fire, but investigators are probing the cause.
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Villalta was the beloved retired custodian at the local Ripon Unified School District, according to a tribute on a GoFundMe page set up to help rebuild the family’s home.
“He drove kids on field trips, to games and helped teachers with their classrooms with love and dedication until his retirement,” the family tribute said.
“A migrant from El Salvador, Jose has worked hard to provide for his family and purchase a home for them. He is husband to Flor, and he’s also a father, grandfather, a brother, and friend to many who appreciate his big bright smile, and charismatic sense of humor.”
