ELCO, Ill. — When Jason McHughs joined the military, he was prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice for his country — but he ended up paying that price saving his infant son from a fire, with the help of his fiancée Brittany Dailey.
Brittany Dailey and Jason McHughs pose for a photo with their son, Tyrstonn. Photo contributed by Jason’s sister, Chelsea McHughs.
Dailey and their son, Tyrstonn, survived. Dailey was burned, but the baby was unharmed.
McHughs died on the scene from apparent smoke inhalation.
Chelsea McHughs is Jason’s sister. She described the scene that unfolded Friday night in the small village of Elco.
Chelsea McHughs is the sister of Jason McHughs who tragically died in a house fire after he saved his infant son. Photo taken Dec. 18, 2024.
Jason’s fiancée Brittany Dailey noticed smoke in their home when she opened the door to vent the smoke. When she did, there was an explosion, which knocked her to the ground.
She crawled through the smoke to escape, and worked her way around to the window, where Jason and their son T slept.
She beat on the window, blew the car horn, and eventually knocked the window out with a stool.
Jason handed her the baby through the window and then he passed out. That would be the last time anyone saw Jason alive.
The family dog, an American Bulldog named Fat Boy, escaped the blaze, but went back into the home.
Ultimately Dailey’s father, Randy Dailey, who lived on the property, cut a hole into the mobile home and ran a chain through the window and hole, and pulled the wall down.
They found Jason on the other side, and the family dog Fat Boy lying on top of him. Both were gone.
This is the wall that Jason McHughs was found behind with his dog, Fat Boy, lying on top of him. Photo taken Dec. 18, 2024.
Efforts were made at the hospital to restart Jason’s heart, but he was gone, along with everything the family had.
A time of remembrance will be held for Jason McHughs from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family reestablish their lives. To date, the family has raised more than $10,000.
Among the things lost were their home, their vehicle, and the baby’s toys.
To donate, click here.
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