Man, 4-year-old great-grandson killed in Rocky Mount fire

A man and his 4-year-old great-grandson were killed late Monday when their Rocky Mount home caught fire, authorities said Tuesday.

Firefighters responded around 10 p.m. to the single-story home, at 1713 Springfield Road, where they found a van outside the home engulfed in flames.

Frederick Fasegha, 63, and Iziah Crews, who had been visiting, were found dead in a back room of the house.

Fasegha's wife of 35 years, Monzell Fasegha, wasn't home at the time but said the house lost power due to a thunderstorm. Her husband had called to tell her that he was getting candles as well as gas to start a generator.

Neighbors heard an explosion at the time of the fire.

"We were inside and heard a boom and didn't know what it was," said Erick McKnight. "The fire went out on the van and then started back up again."

Rocky Mount authorities couldn't say Tuesday whether they believe the generator played a part in the blaze and that it could still be several days before they determine what caused it.

Meanwhile Tuesday, family members were struggling to understand what happened and why but said that if there are any blessings in it all, it's that Fred Fasegha and Iziah were together.

Monzell said the boy was found with his face pressed to her husband's chest. She'd like to think it was his last act of heroism.

"He was everything to everybody," she said. "He didn't have any enemies. He did anything for anybody."