Chicago Journalist Dies In Fire, GoFundMe Set Up To Aid Family

CHICAGO — A Chicago journalist, Rocio Villaseñor, 31, died in a house fire last Friday. Villaseñor contributed to Block Club Chicago covering the Southwest Side Brighton Park, Chinatown and Little Village neighborhoods, as well as other news outlets.

Her father, Crencensio Villaseñor, 69, was also critically injured in the fire that displaced seven of Villaseñor’s surviving family members. Relatives have established a GoFundMe campaign for the Villaseñor family, who are reeling from the tragedy.

According to GoFundMe and Block Club Chicago, the family was sitting in the living room of their Brighton Park home on Nov. 10, when they heard a large explosion in the back of the house. The other family members, including her father, were able to escape outside to safety. Villaseñor was sleeping in her attic bedroom.

When her family realized she wasn’t among them, Crecencio ran back into the flames in an attempt to save her, but couldn’t reach his daughter. Villaseñor was taken to the hospital in critical condition with third degree burns, but later died from her injuries.

>>> Donate to the Villaseñor-Sanchez Family Emergency Relief Fund

Her father, Crecencio, is in stable, yet critical condition, at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, and faces many surgeries ahead. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Chicago Fire Department.

In a loving memorial tribute on GoFundMe, family members described Villasenor as “an accomplished and educated young woman. A beloved sister, daughter, friend and aunt – leaving behind a legacy of warmth, joy and kindness that will forever be remembered in our hearts. May her spirit continue to inspire love and strength to those around and embrace the Villasenor family.”

Villaseñor was a journalist and communications specialist who, in addition to Block Club Chicago, wrote for Cicero Independiente, City News Bureau, LaRaza and Modern Healthcare. She was a graduate of the University of Illinois Chicago and Columbia College. Villaseñor was a loved and respected young professional.

As of Thursday morning, over $26,000 was raised toward a $100,000 fundraising goal. To make a donation and to aid the Villaseñor-Sanchez family for the foreseeable future, visit the Villaseñor-Sanchez Family Emergency Relief Fund.