Amarillo Musician Loses Everything In Heartbreaking Holiday House Fire
This time of year is supposed to be full of joy, hope, and peace. Unfortunately, the exact opposite is true for one Amarillo, Texas musician—a world-shattering tragedy struck in the early morning hours of December 27; just two days after Christmas. Now, the community is coming together to help.
Tim Wiles: Veteran And Amarillo Musician
The first time I heard Tim perform was at the Broken Spoke on 6th Street. I was immediately captivated by his voice. He sings straight from the soul, and he has a powerful voice. You can feel the lyrics as they fill the room.
Tim is a veteran. According to a GoFundMe set up on behalf of Tim, he is a proud disabled veteran who has taken to using music as a way to escape the PTSD he is left with after his time in service. His music is just as much for him as it is for all of us when he performs.
A Tragic Fire Leaves Amarillo Veteran And Musician With Nothing
The fire that happened on December 27 claimed everything that Tim had. He lost the home he had just moved into, his guitars, and even his children's Christmas presents. Everything was consumed in the flames.
The cause of the fire was a faulty space heater. Tim told me that he woke up to the flames engulfing his home, and was only able to make it out with his cellphone. The cellphone, and the handle from a guitar case, were all that was left.
Tim described to me standing outside and watching while his home and everything inside burned. In spite of it all, he still got behind the microphone that night and put on a great performance.
The Community Coming Together To Help One Of Their Own
Hearing about the tragedy that Tim had suffered, efforts immediately began to help him get back on his feet. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds for Tim to use to get necessities, and hopefully a new guitar.
Every Wednesday, there's an open jam that takes place at Rounders hosted by Buster Bledsoe. Buster has declared that for the next couple of weeks, the Wednesday open jam will be Wednesday For Wiles with donations being taken to help Tim get back on his feet.
Our hearts break for Tim and his family in this time. Stay strong Tim, we're rooting for you.
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