Frantz Fleury, the 78-year-old New Jersey man rescued from a devastating Thanksgiving house fire that killed his two daughters, has died from severe smoke inhalation injuries, family members announced this week.
Fleury passed away on Dec. 8, just 10 days after the Nov. 28 blaze that tore through the family’s home on Lincoln Avenue in Orange, N.J. His daughters — Frantzia Fleury, 49, and Pojanee “PJ” Fleury, 42 — were both killed after rushing back into the burning home to save their wheelchair-bound father.
According to relatives, the sisters initially escaped the fire before realizing their father was still inside. They re-entered the house and were able to reach him, with help from neighbors who pulled Frantz out moments before the flames overtook the structure. The sisters, overcome by smoke and trapped on the second floor, did not survive.
Frantz was hospitalized in critical condition and never recovered from the smoke inhalation that severely damaged his lungs.
Tributes for the family have flooded social media, where a viral post announcing Frantz’s death drew thousands of condolences. Many users described the story as “heartbreaking” and “unimaginable,” while others called the sisters’ final act a testament to their love and bravery.
Both women were well-known in their community:
• Frantzia, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and X-ray technician, was remembered for her strength and generosity.
• PJ, an entrepreneur and founder of Brown Eyez Magazine, was celebrated for her creative work and commitment to uplifting Black art and wellness.
The tragedy has also renewed conversations online about home fire safety. National Fire Protection Association statistics show that smoke inhalation accounts for nearly 60% of fire-related deaths in the U.S., with an estimated 2,500 people killed annually in residential fires.
A GoFundMe to support the Fleury family — who lost their home, three loved ones, and most of their belongings — has continued to gain traction as community members rally around them.
Funeral services for Frantz, Frantzia, and PJ were held earlier this month, drawing a large turnout from friends, relatives, and residents who honored the family’s legacy of love and sacrifice.
