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SALT LAKE CITY — A man involved in a dramatic house fire in Draper July 25 died late Friday evening from injuries suffered.
Paul Broadhust, 40, died at the University Hospital Burn Center, according to a statement from the family released through the hospital.
“Our family is grateful to emergency medical personnel and health care providers who assisted Paul on Friday. We ask for privacy as we grieve the loss of our family member,” said Broadhust's brother, Ryan Dickson, in the statement.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Videos and photos from neighbors documented the total loss of the home and the family's belongings scattered across lawns in the neighborhood.
Firefighters were first dispatched to the Draper home at 15091 S. Junction Circle (235 East) about 7:30 a.m.
Neighbor Sean Miner told KSL he heard a loud boom and felt debris hitting his home. He stepped outside and saw Broadhust exiting the home.
"We looked out and saw the gentleman who's living there stumble to his screen door," Miner said. "The screen door actually fell over as he came out onto the patio and the actual patio collapsed and he fell two stories down."
The homeowner was covered in soot and his arms were injured and bloodied.
"A few minutes later the fire departments (were) here. Helicopters were flying all over the place,' Miner said.
Broadhurst was flown by helicopter to University Hospital's burn unit in critical condition.
Broadhust's wife and two children were visiting family in Idaho at the time of the fire.
Siding, insulation, toys, glass and other pieces of the home littered neighbors' yards after the explosion. Other residents reported hearing subsequent explosions. Siding on some nearby houses melted from the intense heat. A few neighbors were also temporarily evacuated as crews fought the blaze.
Neighbors have set up an *account in the family's name for donations at Wells Fargo Bank.
Contributing: Emilee Eagar
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
