The Day the Music Died-Sam's Fire

I am asking for assistance for my son, Samuel Fanthorpe, whose entire life was engulfed in flames in the early hours of Saturday, April 25, 2015.  His apartment complex in Boone, North Carolina was burned to the ground.  He was awakened by his beloved dog, Doc (after Doc Watson).  Sam then alerted  his roommate and neighbors and escaped with only his dog and the boxer shorts he was wearing while sleeping.  All the cars parked at the 5 unit complex were destroyed as well.

Music is Sam’s life.  In the fire, he lost a beautiful Classical Guitar, a Resonator Guitar, a Mandolin, a Banjo, a Viola, and a Violin.  He began studying Classical Guitar at age 5, has written music all his life, and sings. He recently won 2nd place in a regional song writing competition.  Now all of his songs, music, books, photographs, manuscripts and research are in ashes.  He plays all around the Appalachian area, both solo and with groups, and now he no longer has an instrument or car.  He has not been without music since he was a toddler.  He is in shock.

Sam graduated from Warren Wilson College and received his Masters degree from Appalachian State University.  He has been working full-time, 7 days a week in landscaping and also taking any other odd jobs he can find as he looks for a permanent position.  Even his cell phone and computer were destroyed, the only means of contact for a future employer.  Sam has sent out 100’s of applications and had several second interviews.  Now he has no way to contact these people.

Sam is a wonderful, compassionate person who always will help anyone in need, even though he, himself, has always had  very little material things to offer.  He shared what he had.  He is a pacifist who supports many causes.  Now it is Sam who desperately needs help.   He was trying so hard to be independent and not ask for assistance from family.  We have discovered that he did not have renter’s insurance and only minimal coverage on his car.  He also has several chronic health conditions for which he requires regular medication, including severe asthma.  These also burned in the fire.  He has inhaled a great deal of smoke and is having difficulty breathing, but is in shock and refusing to go to a hospital.

Sam is very proud, but devastated.  Please, if anyone is willing to help in any way it would be so very appreciated.  If you know Sam, or love music, education, humanitarianism, or even the Blue Ridge area, please consider assisting Sam in anyway you can.  His birthday is Monday, April 27.  Even his birthday cards from friends and family are lost.  As his mother, I told him, “Sam, you must come home.”  And he replied, “But mom, I can’t.  This area is my home.”