Maui victim of devastating fire died trying to shield his friend’s golden retriever

Franklin Trejos, known to friends as “Frankie,” lived in Lahaina for 30 years before the devastating fires burned nearly everything down in his neighborhood late last week. Tragically, Trejos is one of at least 96 people who lost their lives.

Retired Maui fire captain, Geoff Bogar survived the fire, and he and Trejos initially stayed behind to help others and tried to save Bogar’s home. The unrelenting flames drew closer on Tuesday afternoon, and the men knew they had to evacuate. Each escaped in their own cars, but Bogar’s car wouldn’t start; fortunately a police officer on patrol found him and rushed him to the hospital.

Frankie wasn’t so fortunate. According to Maui Fires Pet Help Group on Facebook, Trejos, 68, didn’t survive. The next day Bogar found the burned remains of his friend in the back seat of his car huddled over the remains of Bogar’s three-year-old golden retriever Sam, who Trejos tried to save. It is not known how Trejos and Sam became trapped in the vehicle, but they never made their way out.

Trejos had lived with Bogar and his wife, Shannon Weber-Bogar; helping her with her seizures when her husband was not home.

Absolutely devastating.  Thank you, Mr. Trejos for helping to save others at the expense of yourself and your best fur friend. May you both rest in paradise. My deepest condolences to the Trejos family

Facebook via June

Rest in peace Frankie and Sam. You will be missed.

(Photo via Maui Fires Pet Help Group Facebook page)

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