Cordale Sheffield, 30, is being hailed a hero after he risked his life to save his two stepchildren from a devastating apartment explosion and fire in Cleveland. Thrown from the building by the blast, he got up and realized the children were still inside. When the boy jumped from the window, the terrified girl couldn’t — so Cordale ran back through the flames to save her.
His sister, Cierra Alqawi, said the act left him with burns over 92% of his body. “They removed all of his skin,” she shared. Cordale has undergone at least four surgeries and is expected to remain hospitalized for six months, wrapped head-to-toe in bandages. A GoFundMe has raised over $40,000 for his medical care.
The children were also hospitalized but are in stable condition. Their mother was at work during the June 23 fire, which destroyed 44 units and displaced around 100 people.
City officials and the Red Cross are providing support to affected families, while investigators continue to determine the cause of the $3.5 million blaze. Cordale’s bravery continues to inspire a community.
