Ron Rivera House Fire - A 9-year-old girl from Midlands, South Carolina, who donated $5 to Panthers coach Ron Rivera after his south Charlotte home got burnt in the beginning of last month, has received a surprise package from him.
Coach Rivera reportedly sent Harmoine Fredrick a box full of Panthers gear, as well as her $5 and the original letter it came with. Harmoine also found a letter from Coach Rivera in the package that explained why he has declined her contribution towards rebuilding his home.
"Thank you for your concern," Coach Rivera's letter reads."We are all fine, our dogs included. I appreciate your five dollars but our insurance will cover the rebuilding of our house."
Harmoine, who reportedly donated the $5 from the money she received from a tooth fairy, told WLTX that she is 'excited' her favorite coach's home will be rebuilt.
Now, she says that she will save her $5 for college. Harmoine also plans to write back to Coach Rivera to thank him for responding to her letter.
The Charlotte Fire Department has revealed that the Jan. 5 blaze led to damages worth up to $500,000 to coach Ron Rivera's $1.3 million property. The fire was reportedly caused by improper installation of a fireplace or a material defect.
Coach Rivera told the press that sometime before 4:00 a.m. on the day of the incident, he smelled smoke and shortly afterwards the fire alarm in his property went off. Luckily, his entire family escaped from the building before the fire escalated. Reports indicate that it took up to 55 firefighters to put out the blaze.
"The material or fuel which first ignited was the sub-floor which was in direct contact with the bottom portion of the fireplace," a report from the fire department said."The act or omission which brought the ignition source and first material/fuel together was probably caused by a material defect or the improper installation of the fireplace."
