ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Just five days after mourning the loss of his mother to cancer, Edward Hammonds Jr., 52, died in a house fire alongside his dog, Bear, leaving a grieving family reeling from a second tragedy in less than a week.

According to the Rockford Fire Department, crews were called to a house in the 2700 block of Horton Street at 8:41 a.m. on reports that a person and a dog may still be inside the residence.

Officials said the victim was found within minutes and brought outside before being taken by ambulance to a local hospital, and Animal Control was called to collect the dog.

On Monday, the Winnebago County Coroner identified the victim as Hammonds, Jr.

According to a GoFundMe, Hammonds, Jr.'s mother, Kathie, passed away from cancer on October 19th.

Five days later, H

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