By MONROE ROARK
mroark@thecitizennews.com

A Fayette family was dealt its second blow in three days after a devastating house fire Monday night.

While Sandy Creek High School wrestler Kerry Ruffin lay in a hospital bed recovering from surgery for a paralyzing neck injury suffered during a match, his mother's north Fayette home sustained 80 percent damage from the blaze.

According to the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, authorities responded to 849 Wagon Wheel Circle after a neighbor reported a residential structure fire at 10:35 p.m.

The first engine to arrive reported heavy fire coming through the roof and called for a second alarm that included mutual aid from the Fayetteville Fire Department, information officer Capt. Pete Nelms said in a written statement.

There was no one at home when the fire took place and no one was injured.

Twenty-three firefighters worked for nearly an hour to bring the blaze under control. More than 80 percent of the structure was damaged, with an estimated loss of $150,000.

Investigators are now working to determine the cause of the fire.

According to Nelms, the home belongs to Linda Ruffin, mother of Sandy Creek High School wrestler Kerry Ruffin, who suffered a severe neck injury in a tournament Saturday and underwent surgery Monday.

Following the surgery, doctors were uncertain whether the youth will be able to walk again.

urier New