'They will never be forgotten': 75-year-old among 2 victims in Raleigh house fire

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Two people died in a fire at a Raleigh home Tuesday morning.

"It's totally devastating, and it's destroyed," Deshawn Utley said while getting a look at the Seabrook Road house gutted by an early morning fire that claimed more than priceless memories

"It's very hard. It's totally devastating," Utley said. "We've lost everything in this home."

Firefighters arrived at the scene before the sun rose Tuesday. They pulled a man from the house. He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.

While fighting the fire and searching through the home, firefighters found a woman, but it was too late to save her.

Family members who spoke to ABC11 identified the man as 75-year-old Hampton Bunch and the woman as Annie Brodie, who was in her 40s.

Bunch and Brodie were sleeping inside the home when the fire broke out.

"My cousin was at work when the fire started, and unfortunately his grandfather and girlfriend didn't make it out," Utley said.

Utley said he has faith that his great grandfather is now with his grandmother. That's a thought that brings Utley some comfort.

"They are in heaven together, and they're holding hands," he said.

Investigators have not yet determined what caused the fire.

Utley said the family is devastated but will regroup in time.

"My family is very strong ,and we are going to get over it, but it's going to take some time," he said. "They were two awesome people and they will never be forgotten."