WARRENTON, Mo. — Smoke still lingers on 2300 block of Post Oak Drive in Warrenton.
Gary and Dena Miller have been close friends with Chris Smith since junior high.
Smith said, "Gary and Dena are great. Down to earth, they'll give you their shirt off their back."
The high school sweethearts live in the home with their 16-year-old son and their 18-year-old daughter is in college.
Smith said, "When Gary got out of the Navy he said he found all this property in Warrenton and he wanted to build his dream home. Yesterday morning he called me saying, 'Dude, my house burnt to the ground.'"
Smith is trying to help after his friends lost everything Monday night in a powerful storm.
"Yep, it got struck by lightning around 9:40, lightning ran down the vent hit the propane lane and all he remembers is a big bright light. The lightning struck, it was blue light then orange and it happened so fast," Smith shared their details.
Warrenton Fire Protection District answered the call before 10 Monday evening.
Fire Chief Anthony Hayeslip said, "We could see lightning hit the house and ignite the propane tank, which accelerated the fire in the house."
Hayeslip said utilities were cut off from the home and they shut the propane tank off next to the house.
While there was damage in the basement, the fire was contained. He said fire crews stayed until midnight.
The Millers were able to get out. Fortunately, they had family across the street.
Smith shared, "Thankfully, his mom and dad bought the land across the road because they had a lot of acreage and built their retirement home."
Hours later, another fire started. Sadly, their cat didn't make it.
"We were called back to the house around five am for the house fully engulfed, it is a total loss now," Hayeslip shared. "It could've been a hidden fire still."
That part is still under investigation.
While they have insurance, Smith said it'll take a lot to rebuild and some items can never be regained.
"Gary is a Navy veteran and he lost all his Navy stuff stuff that is irreplaceable," Smith added.
The storm may have been strong, but it also shows the power of friendships.
Smith shared, "Help these guys out, they are great people. Anything y'all can give, every cent helps."
Smith hopes to help the family, a family who helped him during his worst moments.
"I'm very supportive of them because I know what it’s like to lose everything," Smith shared.
In 2021, Smith went on a first date with Leslie Reeves. Her ex-boyfriend, Robert Tarr, is accused of tracking them down, killing Reeves and trying to kill Smith. Both were shot in the head. Unfortunately, Reeves died and Smith survived.
Smith had to have brain surgery and was in a coma for three months. He's now walking again and waiting for Tarr's trial.
Smith told Gary, "Who knew we'd both be living with our parents at 51."
Smith said laughter is what his friend needs now more than ever.
There are two GoFundMe pages set up for the Millers.
One is created by their son's hockey league, St. Peters Hockey Club. Click here.
Another is created by Chris Smith's mom. Click here.
The St. Peters Hockey Club shared this statement:
“Brendan Miller, and the Miller family have been long time members of the St. Peters Hockey family since he started playing with us at 10U. The St. Peters Hockey Club is so grateful to the Greater St. Louis Metro Area Hockey Community for their generosity and support of the Millers as they rebuild from this tragic fire.”