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GoFundMe launched to support Pait family after tragic loss of Vietnam veteran Wayne Pait in Sussex County house fire

SPARTA TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – The community is coming together to support the Pait family following the tragic loss of Wayne Pait, a long-time resident and proud Vietnam veteran, who died in a devastating house fire on October 10, 2024.

The fire, which broke out at approximately 8:24 a.m. at 132 Sawmill Road in Sparta Township, left Pait’s family grappling with an unimaginable loss.

Upon receiving reports of the fire, officers from the Sparta Township Police Department responded quickly, encountering heavy smoke billowing from the residence. Despite their efforts, they were unable to enter the home, as Wayne’s wife, Gerri, and their sons, Matthew and Patrick, were forced to escape the flames while heroically attempting to rescue him.

Three family members managed to get out with assistance from patrol officers and were transported to Newton Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation and minor burns. Two officers on the scene were also evaluated for minor smoke inhalation but were cleared to return to duty shortly after.

The fire was extinguished with the help of the Sparta Fire Department, along with the Ogdensburg, Andover, and Jefferson Fire Departments. Following a preliminary investigation by Sparta detectives and the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, the fire was determined to be accidental, possibly caused by an LED flashlight that was left on overnight, igniting a small rug. The exact cause remains classified as undetermined.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, a GoFundMe page has been established to assist the Pait family. The funds raised will help cover funeral expenses, temporary housing, clothing, household goods, and other essentials needed to help them rebuild their lives. The page appeals for any donations, stating, “Any donation, no matter the amount, will be deeply appreciated. Please share and support if you can.”

Wayne Pait served with the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam at Sơn Trà Mountain, a significant military base near Da Nang during the war. He and Gerri raised their children in Sparta in the ’90s and early ’00s. Gerri had a fulfilling career at Liberty Travel, where she dedicated herself to creating memorable travel experiences for her clients. Matthew has been actively involved in the community, supporting the Sparta Booster Club and volunteering as a youth basketball coach.

The GoFundMe has set a goal of $25,000 for the family. As of Monday morning, it has raised more than $18,000. If you would like to donate to help the family, click here.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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