‘It’s a heavy hit’: Father of 3 dies in apartment fire while helping to save his children

PORT ST. JOE, Fla. (WJHG/Gray News) - A Florida father has died after his apartment caught on fire over the weekend while he was asleep inside with two of his children.

Port St. Joe Chief of Police Jake Richards said it was an accidental fire.

Richards said a pot of oil left on the stove, apparently in preparation for chicken wings, caught fire.

Officials identified the father as 34-year-old Walter Bowers III and said he appeared to have fallen asleep while getting ready to cook the wings.

Richards said Bowers and two children, ages 5 and 10, were sleeping when the fire started. They tried to escape the flames, with Bowers being found by first responders in the hallway and one of the children close by at the door.

Neighbors and rescuers helped pull everyone out of the apartment.

“Two women, two neighbors, crazy brave people, were able to pull the child out and hand him to me. So without their help, who knows,” Port St. Joe police officer Caleb Kesterson said.

First responders said it was a miracle they got out of the apartment, as there was an overwhelming amount of smoke inside.

“When we first found out this happened, we actually fully expected three deaths in this case,” Richards said.

“It was the worst conditions ever; a couple of the firefighters even collapsed,” Port St. Joe police Sgt. Richard Nichols said.

Kesterson said the chemicals and the thick smoke made everything unbearable.

The family was taken to an area hospital for treatment, where the children are expected to make a full recovery. However, Bowers’ mother, Tammy Bowers, said her son did not survive his injuries and died Wednesday night.

People knew him as “Boug.” Tammy Bowers said that while she lost a son, she’s grateful her grandchildren survived.

“My son did unfortunately pass away, but my two grandchildren, who were also involved in this tragedy, on the bright side, are healthy and happy,” she said.

“The best thing that has helped me personally is seeing the kids doing so well, and that’s what Boug would have wanted,” Nichols said.

Kesterson and Nichols have known Walter Bowers since high school.

“It’s hard cause I look back and think about how we used to sit next to each other in high school; it’s a heavy hit,” Kesterson said.

His friends said Walter Bowers was the “class clown,” the “jock,” and a guy with a big heart. His loved ones said he will be missed by many.

“I am so blessed to have such a wonderful community that has reached out in many ways- all the many prayers, all the support; it’s just beyond words; that just shows me how many people actually love my son and how many lives he actually touched, and for that I’m forever grateful,” Tammy Bowers said.

Walter Bowers’ mother says her son died trying to save his children.

Richards said they do not deal with this type of tragedy on a routine basis, but it is an important reminder to be prepared in case a fire erupts at your home.

He noted that residents should make sure smoke alarms work, have an escape plan and know where fire extinguishers are.