In the pitch-black hours of early morning, as a quiet Texas neighborhood slumbered, flames exploded through a family home—turning a father's final moments into a harrowing act of selfless courage.
Troy Scheffman, a devoted father and beloved community volunteer, died a hero in a blaze that erupted shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24, in Princeton, Texas. His final act? Screaming for his children to escape the inferno that would ultimately take his life.
The fire, which ripped through the home on the 5800 block of Shady Hill Circle, has left behind charred ruins, shattered hearts, and a wave of grief that has engulfed an entire town.
A Father’s Final Sacrifice
According to officials from the Collin County Fire Marshal's Office, firefighters arrived at the scene to find a home consumed by fire—and a man still inside. That man was Troy Scheffman. He was pulled from the burning home and rushed to the hospital. But the damage was too great. He died shortly after.
At the time of the fire, Troy was home with his adult children. His wife, Heather Kobel Scheffman, was out of town. According to Fr. Eugene Okoli, pastor at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, Troy gave his life ensuring his children lived.
“Their dad said, ‘You all get out.’ That’s what the daughter was telling me when we spoke,” Fr. Eugene shared. “She literally was pulling out her younger brothers.”
‘He Doesn’t Ever Miss’: Seen at Mass Just Hours Before
The loss has reverberated far beyond the family. In the wake of the tragedy, tributes to Troy have flooded social media and poured in from the organizations he so faithfully served.
Streetside Showers, a nonprofit supporting the homeless, posted a gut-wrenching message on Facebook:
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of one of our beloved volunteers, Troy Scheffman. Troy was one of my chef’s and I have lost count of the number of meals he has prepared for Streetside Showers. He LOVED Streetside Showers with all his heart and supporting you one of the highlights of his amazing life [sic].”
Paul Scrivano, president of the Knights of Columbus Council #12153 at St. Gabriel, said Troy was known for showing up when others wouldn’t.
“Troy was always the one to fill in the blanks when someone wasn’t able to cook for them,” Paul said. “Troy would give you the shirt off his back if it was the last shirt he owned. That was the kind of man he was.”
Paul recalled meeting Troy four years ago and how the late father once held the title of Grand Knight—the highest position within their council.
“Basically, he encouraged me to eventually take on the same role,” Paul added.“He is so well loved here at the council and at the church.”
‘It Was Shocking’: A Community Brought to Its Knees
Fr. Eugene, who had known the Scheffman family for nearly 15 years, said the news was nothing short of devastating.
“He was here for 7:30 a.m. mass. He doesn’t ever miss,” he said, recalling how he had seen Troy just the day before. “For me to hear early in the morning on Monday that he was no more, it was shocking. It’s [a] trauma for everybody.”
Fr. Eugene visited the family in private and offered words that revealed the depth of their loss:
“There is not going to be a normal for them anymore. I think it’s more about community support, friendship, encouragement, words of faith to know that people are there for them, that God is there for them. Maybe even right now, for them, (if they wonder) where is that God?”
‘I’ve Never Seen So Many Grown Men Cry’
Hours after Troy’s passing, dozens gathered in grief and solidarity.
“It was amazing how many people came. It was amazing,” Paul said, voice trembling with emotion. “I’ve never seen so many grown men cry.”
Another rosary in Troy’s honor is planned for Wednesday, March 26, following the evening mass.
“We are going to come here as a group,” Paul added. “We are going to miss him.”
‘We Love You and Miss You’: Wife’s Heartbreaking Message
The pain of this loss was laid bare by Troy’s wife, Heather, in a raw and emotional Facebook post.
“As many of you know Troy was killed in a house fire this morning. He died while yelling for the kids to get out of the house. All 3 of them are physically okay. The house, our vehicles and our pets were all lost,” she wrote. “Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we try to find a new normal for the four of us. Troy Scheffman. We love you and miss you!!”
Community Rallies as Fundraiser Soars
In the wake of unimaginable loss, the community has stepped in—and opened their hearts and wallets.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by family friend Mike Hanson has already raised over $82,000 toward its $120,000 goal.
“Last night, our beloved friend Troy Scheffman passed away tragically in a house fire. The Scheffman family has lost everything and needs assistance with the funeral and living expenses,” the post reads. “Troy was an amazing friend, a Knight of Columbus, and a Catholic with a big, kind heart for helping others in need.”
Troy’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney, where hundreds are expected to pay their respects to a man who lived—and died—putting others first.
What would YOU do in a moment like this? Could you make the ultimate sacrifice for your family? Tell us in the comments below.
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