Jr Passed in Esparto Fire—Pregnant Wife & Baby Left Behind

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out with a heavy heart. My expecting cousin Maria Melendez is facing an unimaginable ordeal — her husband, Joel “Jr” Melendez, was a victim in the devastating Esparto Explosion in Yolo County. This tragic accident has taken so much from so many, and for Maria, it’s shattered her entire world.

As the main provider, Jr supported his wife their 11-month-old baby boy who is soon to celebrate his first birthday, and their second child on the way. What should be a joyful and hopeful time has instead become filled with fear, uncertainty, and heartbreak.

As we continue to hope & pray for answers, we’re coming together to support Maria and her children through this incredibly difficult time. Donations will help provide essential needs, childcare, and give Maria some breathing room as she navigates this painful journey without Jr.

If you’re able, please consider donating. If not, sharing this page and keeping Maria, Jr, and their babies in your thoughts and prayers means so much. Every bit of love and support helps.

With deep gratitude and hope,

Kepo’O Ohana

UPDATE: Important Clarification

We are deeply grateful for the support, love, and donations received during this incredibly difficult time. This fundraiser was created by Maria’s family to directly support her and the children during this heartbreaking period.

We have become aware of false claims circulating online that incorrectly identify someone else as Jr’s biological mother. These statements are not accurate, and some are using Jr’s name and image without his wife's permission. This has caused confusion and emotional distress for those closest to him, especially his wife, children, his biological mother, and siblings. This situation has been deeply painful for the entire family as they mourn and seek answers.

To clarify:

✔️ Jr is the husband of Maria and father of their children

✔️ This is the only official fundraiser created with the support of Maria and Jr’s immediate family

✔️ All funds go directly to Maria and the children

Please support the family by sharing this official fundraiser. Thank you again for your compassion, generosity, and for helping us honor Jr truthfully and respectfully.