A disturbing incident in Southern California has left a 35-year-old father of three in critical condition after he was severely burned in Victorville.
According to Victorville police, the event happened on March 30 at around 7:35 p.m. near a shopping center close to the Mall of Victor Valley. When emergency crews arrived, they found Joel, a man from San Bernardino County, suffering from extensive burn injuries after suddenly catching fire.
Authorities reported that he sustained third-degree burns over approximately 90 percent of his body. He was quickly airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Hospital, where he remains in extremely critical condition.
Investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire. However, some witnesses told local media they believe the blaze may have started in an area where Joel, who was described as a transient from nearby Hesperia, had been staying in an encampment.
Family members say the situation has been devastating. His sister-in-law, Jenny Cobb, created a GoFundMe campaign to help with medical expenses and shared that Joel is a father of three young children who desperately need him. In her message, she expressed that the family is heartbroken and focused on prayers, faith, and hoping for his recovery during what she described as an overwhelming and uncertain time.
She also noted that if Joel survives, he is expected to face a long and difficult recovery process, including multiple surgeries, intensive burn treatment, a high risk of infection, and extensive rehabilitation that could last for months or even years.
The fundraising goal has been set at $9,000, with just under $3,500 raised so far.
It was also reported that Joel’s wife, Brittney Buell, died unexpectedly in 2022. Together, they had three children: Aleah, Jimmy, and Joel.