SCOTLAND, Md. — A Southern Maryland community is rallying around a 19-year-old man who remains hospitalized with serious burn injuries following a house fire last month in Scotland.
Cole, who was injured in the March 25, 2026 fire on MacArthur Drive, was airlifted to the Johns Hopkins Burn Center after escaping the flames by jumping from a window. A second victim, his girlfriend, also escaped and has since been released with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to a GoFundMe campaign organized to support the family, Cole has undergone at least one surgery and is expected to require additional procedures as part of a long recovery. He has remained intubated and sedated for nearly two weeks, with doctors anticipating months of rehabilitation once he is stable enough to leave the ICU.
The fire, which displaced multiple occupants and caused extensive damage to the home, prompted a large emergency response and helicopter transports due to the severity of the injuries.
As Cole continues to fight through recovery, his family is facing mounting emotional and financial strain. His mother has been traveling frequently between Southern Maryland and Baltimore to remain by his side, a roughly two-hour trip each way. She has exhausted her paid leave and is in the process of applying for unpaid medical leave while continuing to manage responsibilities at home.
Friends and supporters say the family has leaned on relatives and the community for help caring for younger siblings and pets, while also navigating the challenges that come with long-term medical care.
A fundraiser has been launched to help offset living expenses and support Cole’s recovery during the months ahead. As of this week, donations continue to come in from community members looking to assist the family during the difficult period.
Those wishing to contribute or learn more can visit:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-coles-recovery-after-devastating-fire
Community members are also encouraged to keep the family in their thoughts as Cole continues his recovery journey.
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