Riverside man Brian Jackson, 48, was thrown from a second-story window by an explosion during an apartment fire on Sept. 16 after talking a pregnant woman out of jumping. He is hospitalized with both legs broken, and doctors told his family one might need amputation.
A passerby used a ladder to help lower the woman from the window. Jackson has not reunited with her but believes she is safe. His stepdaughter said he has no insurance and cannot work while recovering; surgeries, physical therapy and a wheelchair are expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars. The family’s GoFundMe had reached half of its $50,000 goal.
Riverside Fire Chief Greg White said the fire’s cause remains undetermined and the investigation is ongoing. He said first responders found two people hanging from the apartment window and three on the ground, one of whom he presumed was Jackson.
