Angel Enrique Diaz Perez dies in fatal East Palatka house fire – Monday, May 12, 2025

Angel Enrique Diaz Perez dies in fatal East Palatka house fire – Monday, May 12, 2025

Fatal East Palatka house fire death of Angel Enrique Diaz Perez – Obituary

A devastating fire claimed the lives of three people and critically injured three others in East Palatka, Florida, on May 12, 2025. The fire occurred at 215 North Maryland Avenue, approximately 60 miles south of Jacksonville, where a family home was consumed by flames. Among the deceased were a 4-year-old child, Angel Enrique Diaz Perez, and two men, Fernando Hernandez Mendez, 31, and Enrique Hernandez Mendez, 33.

According to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, seven people were inside the house when the fire began. Elizabeth Gomez, who managed to escape and ran to a neighbor for help, was one of the survivors. She called 911, prompting emergency responders to rush to the scene. Despite efforts to revive him at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, young Angel Diaz Perez could not be saved.

Three other family members, including 18-month-old Jesus Hernandez, 7-year-old Elizabeth Hernandez Gomez, and 27-year-old Carolina Gomez, were rescued from the fire. They remain hospitalized in critical condition with severe burn injuries. Family members revealed that Elizabeth had stayed home from school due to a medical appointment earlier that day.

A firefighter also sustained minor injuries during the incident and was treated at a local hospital. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and a fundraising campaign has been launched to help cover funeral costs.