An 8-year-old boy with Down syndrome, Grayson, has gained acclaim for his heroic actions during a fire that ravaged his home in Centennial, Colorado. The incident unfolded on a Sunday afternoon when Grayson was home alone with his 14-year-old sister, Ava Grace. The fire erupted quickly, filling their residence with thick black smoke and engulfing it in flames. As their parents were away just a few miles down the road, Grayson took it upon himself to alert his sister, who was on a lower floor. His swift response helped save Ava from the inferno.
Grayson called out repeatedly for Ava, urging her to escape the burning house. Ava managed to call the police and their mother amidst the chaos, while Grayson bravely exited through a side door. Ava followed suit, leaping from a window to safety. Their mother, Renee Unruh, expressed immense pride in her son during an interview, emphasizing how Grayson’s relentless shouting for Ava effectively saved her life. “He’s our hero,” she said, highlighting the deep emotional impact of the event on their family.
When police arrived at the scene, they heard the children’s cries for help coming from behind a wooden fence in the backyard. Dramatic bodycam footage revealed the deputies’ harrowing rescue attempt. Unable to reach the terrified kids through the home, the officers jumped into a neighboring yard, tearing through the fence with their bare hands to access the children. In extreme conditions, both kids were barefoot and dressed in summer clothing as they were carried to safety in the cold snow.
As Grayson was being rescued, he cried out, “My room is on fire,” underscoring the severity of their situation. His sister thanked the deputies amid her tears after they were safely out of danger. Deputy Ryan McConnell recounted the intense scene upon approaching the house, remarking that smoke was billowing from every opening. He expressed relief upon discovering that the children had been evacuated safely, given their young age and the terrifying circumstances they faced.
The family’s mother, who was at her own mother’s house for a visit, received an alarming call from Ava, which prompted her and her husband to rush back to their home. Upon arriving, they were overwhelmed upon seeing their children safe and alive amidst the destruction. Renee’s emotional response highlighted the bond of family, stating, “I couldn’t let them go. I don’t ever want to be apart from them.” Grayson’s bravery brought immense relief to his family, as well as admiration from their community.
In the wake of the fire, the Red Cross provided temporary accommodation for the family, and community members offered assistance. However, the aftermath of the blaze was devastating; smoke could be seen for miles while firefighters battled the inferno for over an hour. Several deputies suffered from smoke inhalation, and one firefighter had to be hospitalized for evaluation. Tragically, one dog and one cat died in the fire, with four additional cats still unaccounted for. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Grayson’s courageous actions will not be forgotten as his family’s story unfolds in the community.
