Weeks after receiving racist messages, a San Francisco dog walker’s home was destroyed by fire, trapping his elderly parents inside.

California’s San Francisco – Tragically, on Tuesday, a fire completely destroyed the house of Terry Williams, a well-liked dog walker in the Alamo Square neighborhood. Only a few weeks have passed since Williams was the recipient of racist mailings, which incited sympathy and outcry from the public.

Williams’ elderly parents experienced harrowing moments confined inside the house as flames engulfed it. Thankfully, neighbors raced in to save them. “They said they were unable to reach my mother. Williams recalled, “My dad was trying to get my mom out.” “Thank God the fire department was there; the fire happened quickly.”

Williams left his house during the fire, but he returned as quickly as he could. “I sprinted right by everyone. “I wanted to reach out to my mother,” he uttered. He made frantic attempts, but rescuers held him, telling him they would save her.

At 11:31 a.m., the first 911 call was received. According to Capt. Jonathan Baxter, firefighters were able to save two people from the upper and middle stories. They were both seriously to moderately injured and were receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital. The investigation into the fire’s cause is still ongoing.

Williams has been the target of several racial taunts, including the gift of a doll with a noose around its neck, prior to this incident. The community has been greatly impacted by these incidents, which has resulted in demonstrations in Williams’ favor and plans to increase neighborhood security.

The community’s commitment was articulated by neighbor Bruce Hill, who said, “This whole chain of incidents has really brought us all together.” It will keep us inspired to look out for one another.

Williams said, “I feel like I should have been here,” expressing his agony at being at City Hall during the fire. I had the power to stop it. Every now and again something like this occurs with my elderly parents. My biggest nightmare is that.

The public has come together in support of Williams and his family as the inquiry is ongoing, creating a GoFundMe page to help them through this trying time.