A Van Zandt County community is leaning on one another following two devastating tragedies that struck within the same night, bringing neighbors together through food, prayer, and fundraising.
Sheriff’s Deputy Ahmed “Adam” Sherifi was killed in the line of duty, and a separate house fire that same evening took the lives of a mother and four children. A 7-year-old child was the only survivor of the blaze.
Former restaurant owner Ryan Hanson said the back-to-back tragedies shook him deeply. He knew he had to act, and he turned to the one thing he knew best — cooking for a crowd.
Hanson fired up his smokers and began organizing a barbecue fundraiser on his property to support the affected families. Within just two days, more than 120 volunteers had stepped up to help him pull it together.
By midday, the event had already served around 400 plates of barbecue, with attendees contributing donations in exchange for food. Hanson said the outpouring of support reflected exactly what he hoped to spark.
“We know how to feed the masses and we got the property” Hanson said. “I wanted to bring the community to help them and also raise money.”
For longtime Van resident Jim Bradberry, the response came as no surprise. He said the tight-knit nature of Van Zandt County means neighbors show up for each other regardless of the circumstances.
“One of the reasons I live in Van is everybody pulls together” Bradberry said. “It doesn’t matter race, creed or whatever is going on, everybody pulls together to help.”
Deputy Sherifi’s truck was displayed at the gathering, serving as a solemn reminder of the sacrifice that drew the community to action. Attendees also joined together in prayer throughout the event.
Hanson said the fundraiser was never just about the money. He believes shared meals and communal grief can play a powerful role in helping people begin to heal after unimaginable loss.
A 7-year-old child now faces life without a mother or siblings, while the law enforcement community mourns the loss of a dedicated deputy. Both families are being supported through the funds raised at the event.
Hanson said he hopes something meaningful can emerge from the darkness the county has faced. “The net positive of it all is what it’s all about” he said.