Father Of Three Dies Weeks After Being Found On Fire Near Kohl’s In Victorville

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Joel S. Fox, a 35-year-old man who suffered severe burn injuries after being found on fire near Kohl’s in Victorville last month, has died.

Fox had been hospitalized since the March 30, 2026, incident and suffered third-degree burns over approximately 90% of his body, remaining in extremely critical condition, according to the GoFundMe organized by Jenny Cobb for Kimberly Kelley.

“Joel is a father of three children who have been cared for by family. Since losing his wife, he has been a transient, but that doesn’t matter now,” Cobb wrote in the fundraiser.

In updates shared throughout his hospitalization, Cobb detailed the severity of his condition. On April 14, she said it had been two weeks since Fox was admitted, and the family was still holding onto hope as he remained intubated and undergoing multiple life-saving procedures.

“Doctors have performed extensive debridement on his arms, legs, chest, and back to remove damaged tissue,” stated Cobb.

On April 21, Cobb reported that Fox had experienced serious complications, writing, “He developed severe swelling in his abdomen, causing compartment syndrome, and doctors had to open his abdomen at bedside to relieve the pressure and fluid buildup around his intestines. He is also struggling with low and unstable blood pressure, requiring medications to help keep it up.”

Cobb also told VVNG that Fox was suffering from multiple organ failure, heart failure, and renal failure. Doctors began dialysis, and his organs were no longer able to function properly due to the extent of his injuries.

In the latest update posted April 22, Cobb announced his passing.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Joel passed away today at 5:03 a.m. after suffering severe complications, including sepsis, multi-organ failure, kidney failure, and the need for dialysis. Despite fighting with everything he had, Jesus called him home this morning,” the update stated.

“Our family is heartbroken, but we find peace knowing Joel is no longer suffering or in pain. He leaves behind three beautiful children: Aaliyah (14), Jimmy (9), and little Joel (3), who now face life without their father.”

Jenny Cobb told VVNG the children are currently in the custody of their grandmother, who will be caring for and supporting them. Cobb also said the children lost their mother a couple of years ago, and Joel had struggled with that loss ever since.

“We are grateful that we had 22 days with him and prayed over his body every day and asked Jesus for forgiveness for him, and just prayed that Joel opened his heart up to his Lord and Savior while he was in that bed. Unfortunately, we never did get to actually talk to him because he was intubated.”

Funds raised through the ongoing GoFundMe, which was initially created to help cover Fox’s medical expenses, will now be used for funeral and burial costs, as well as to support his children’s future needs and provide stability in the months ahead.

Those wishing to support the family can visit the GoFundMe page here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/prayers-and-support-for-joels-burn-recovery

Authorities previously said preliminary findings suggested the fire may have been accidental. The investigation remains ongoing.

Related Article: UPDATE: Victorville Fire That Left Man Severely Burned May Have Been Accidental

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