(FOX40.COM) — A Stockton family is starting the year in grief after losing a loved one who died while saving others from a devastating house fire.
Jose Villalta,69, died on December 27 after family members say he rushed back inside his burning home to rescue loved ones. The fire destroyed the house and everything inside, leaving the family homeless and grieving the man they say was the heart of their family.
Wilbert Villalta, Jose’s son, says his family heard noises in the home at around 1 a.m., believing it was one of the children in the home getting water, and that there was no imminent danger. Wilbert says his father got up to check anyway…