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Newlywed Cleveland couple burned in house fire two days after wedding

Friends hosting fundraiser Sunday
Posted at 7:29 AM, Sep 29, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-29 10:20:08-04

Just two days after celebrating their marriage, a Cleveland couple was injured in a house fire that left the husband with severe burns over nearly one-fourth of his body. 

Pete Daley and Victoria Weiland said “I do” in front of friends and family in an intimate ceremony Saturday night. Monday night they woke to their apartment on Clifton Blvd. engulfed in flames. 

“I’m just yelling for Pete, screaming at this point, hoping somebody will just reach out of the flames and grab me,” Weiland told News 5. 

Weiland escaped through the door, but Daley and a house guest jumped from a window. Weiland sustained burns to her hands and back but was released from the hospital Wednesday night. Daley will likely have a long road to recovery. 

The couple lost most of their clothes, wedding gifts and other belongings. But they are thankful to be alive, Weiland said.  

Less than a day later, a Go Fund Me page had raised nearly $10,000 to help pay for the couple’s medical bills and get them back on their feet. 

Close friend and wedding photographer Jae Andres (courtesy: Jae Andres Studios, Inc.) told News 5 that the outpouring of support from the community has been overwhelming. 

“It’s really easy to take Cleveland for granted and then suddenly when tragedy strikes and then the community that maybe you thought forgot about you absolutely is ready to be there for you and with open arms,” Andres said. 

The couple's friends are planning a large fundraiser at The Spotted Owl in Tremont on Sunday that will include food and drinks donated by several local restaurants. It starts at 7 p.m., and 100 percent of the profits and tips will be donated.