A public GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the family of Kelly David Strobl, the 23-year-old Regina man who died this weekend as a result of a fire and explosion in a residential garage.

A public GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for the family of Kelly David Strobl, the 23-year-old Regina man who died this weekend as a result of a fire and explosion in a residential garage.

The page, called the “Kelly Strobl memorial baby fund” reads: “You touched the lives of so many people in so many ways. You lived your life to the fullest and have left us far too soon. It is with heavy hearts that we recognize your first born child will come into this world and not have the opportunity to know and be supported by her/his amazing father. In support of Kelly’s child, his family and their ever changed lives please show your support in these difficult times.”

Distroscale

As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, more than $5,000 of the $25,000 goal had been raised.

Photo by Facebook

The Leader-Post reached out to the creators of the page for comment on Tuesday, but had not received a response as of late afternoon.

In a memorial page appearing on a website for Speers Funeral Chapel, it notes Strobl and his partner were expecting a child in March.

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A Thom Collegiate graduate, Strobl is identified as a carpenter with a passion for vehicles, from sleds and motorcycles to trucks and quads.

An investigation by Regina Fire & Protective Services has ruled the fatal fire in the Rosemont-Mount Royal neighbourhood on Friday an accident.

The city provided an update on Tuesday afternoon, stating “the circumstances surrounding the initial explosion and fire were caused by sparks from a grinder igniting fumes in a vehicle gas tank directly adjacent to the occupant.”

Fire crews were called at 8:43 p.m. to what was a fully involved fire in a detached garage on the 4400 block of 7th Avenue. Once on scene, crews found a critically injured man, and they provided medical care until EMS arrived on scene.

The man was taken to hospital with severe burns. He died on Saturday morning.

Firefighters managed to contain the fire to the garage, and another occupant of the home — said to have been the man’s wife — was able to escape uninjured.

Two firefighters escaped injury after a subsequent explosion occurred while they were battling the fire. That explosion was said to have been caused by a nitrous oxide pressure vessel, which sent shrapnel toward the two firefighters. They were struck and a fire truck was also damaged as a result.

“No injuries were sustained by the firefighters, but this occurrence reinforces the danger of garage fires in general due to the unknown contents stored within the structure,” the city’s news release read. “Regina Fire & Protectives Services reminds residents (of) the danger of using spark or flame producing equipment in confined areas with the presence of flammable or combustible liquids and vapours.”

A fire department spokesman has said this is the city’s first fatal fire in a year and a half.

A celebration of his Strobl’s life is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Regina Apostolic Church, 808 Assiniboine Ave. East.