Texas Dad Troy Scheffman Dies After Saving His Children from a House Fire

GIn the quiet hours before dawn, a North Texas neighborhood was rocked by a sudden blaze — leaving behind charred walls, unanswered questions, and a heartbreaking loss that has shaken an entire community.

Troy Scheffman, a Princeton, Texas father, died after rescuing his children from a house fire early Monday morning, March 24, 2025.

The fire broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. on the 5800 block of Shady Hill Circle, according to the Collin County Fire Marshal's Office, which is continuing its investigation into the cause of the blaze.

Firefighters responded to the scene and rescued a man from the burning home. He was transported to the hospital, where he died shortly after, officials said. That man was later identified as Troy Scheffman.

Troy was home with his adult children at the time of the fire. His wife was out of town. According to Fr. Eugene Okoli, the lead pastor at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney, Troy instructed his children to get out of the house. "Their dad said, 'You all get out.' That's what the daughter was telling me when we spoke," Fr. Eugene shared. "She literally was pulling out her younger brothers."

Tributes honoring Troy have since appeared across social media. Streetside Showers, a nonprofit organization, wrote in a Facebook post, "It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of one of our beloved volunteers, Troy Scheffman. Troy was one of my chef's and I have lost count of the number of meals he has prepared for Streetside Showers. He LOVED Streetside Showers with all his heart and supporting you one of the highlights of his amazing life [sic]."

Paul Scrivano, president of the Knights of Columbus Council #12153 at St. Gabriel described Troy's dedication to helping others. "Troy was always the one to fill in the blanks when someone wasn't able to cook for them," Paul said, referring to his volunteer work cooking meals for those experiencing homelessness. "Troy would give you the shirt off his back if it was the last shirt he owned. That was the kind of man he was."

Paul met Troy four years ago and recalled that he had served as Grand Knight, the title for the council's president. "Basically, he encouraged me to eventually take on the same role," Paul noted.

Troy's impact was felt not only among volunteers but also within the parish. "He is so well loved here at the council and at the church," expressed Paul.

Fr. Eugene, who has known the Scheffman family for nearly 15 years, described the shock of hearing the news. "He was here for 7:30 a.m. mass. He doesn't ever miss," Eugene recalled of seeing Troy just the day before. "For me to hear early in the morning on Monday that he was no more, it was shocking. It's [a] trauma for everybody."

Fr. Eugene also met privately with Troy's family following the tragedy. "There is not going to be a normal for them anymore," he said. "I think it's more about community support, friendship, encouragement, words of faith to know that people are there for them, that God is there for them. Maybe even right now, for them, (if they wonder) where is that God?"

Hours after learning of his death, friends gathered for mass and a prayer service. "It was amazing how many people came. It was amazing," Paul revealed. "I've never seen so many grown men cry."

Another rosary for Troy is planned for Wednesday, March 26, following the evening mass. "We are going to come here as a group," Paul added. "We are going to miss him."

As investigators continue working to determine what sparked the fire, the Scheffman family faces the aftermath of a devastating loss. Troy's wife, Heather Kobel Scheffman, confirmed his death in a Facebook post on March 25.

"As many of you know Troy was killed in a house fire this morning. He died while yelling for the kids to get out of the house. All 3 of them are physically okay. The house, our vehicles and our pets were all lost," wrote the devastated woman. "Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers as we try to find a new normal for the four of us. Troy Scheffman. We love you and miss you!!"

In response, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by family friend Mike Hanson to support Heather and their children. The fundraiser has raised more than $82,000 of its $120,000 goal through 425 donations.

"Last night, our beloved friend Troy Scheffman passed away tragically in a house fire. The Scheffman family has lost everything and needs assistance with the funeral and living expenses," the GoFundMe post states. "Troy was an amazing friend, a Knight of Columbus, and a Catholic with a big, kind heart for helping others in need."

Plans for Troy Scheffman's funeral have been shared by his wife. Services are scheduled for Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church in McKinney, Texas.

Troy Scheffman's final act of bravery has left a deep impact on his family, church, and community. As they mourn his loss and begin to rebuild, support continues to grow for those he left behind.