Frank Dias dies in tragic fire in California
By Team Mangalorean, USA
San Francisco, California, December 5:
Young and energetic with great American dreams, Frank Dias (35), a resident
of San Francisco, California, and Anil Middekadi (24) of Sunnyvale, California,
died in an unexpected tragic fire accident on Thursday, November 29, at a San
Francisco's "Star India" restaurant.
Frank Dias originally hails from Goa, had come to the U.S. to live a better
life just two months before his death. He found a job and started working in
the restaurant about three weeks ago. He is survived by a nine month old
infant, wife Jany Dias and family, who reside in Goa.
The owner of the restaurant, Mr. Bertrand Lewis, originally from Mumbai had
just purchased the restaurant two months ago. Speaking to Mangalorean.com team,
he said that all the workers were provided with an apartment to stay. Frank
and Anil were the only two people who had keys to the restaurant, since they
open it in the morning. Both were believed to be napping in a loft above the
restaurant, which is usually used for conducting restaurant business, when the
restaurant caught fire.
The medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of Frank and Anil's
death. They have yet to rule out whether they were dead before the fire broke
out. The fire was reported around 5:30 a.m. and was controlled about twenty
minutes later. The one story building was engulfed in flames, with heavy damage
concentrated in the kitchen area. Fire damage to the loft prevented
firefighters from entering the loft immediately. The bodies were found inside
the building, in the loft above the restaurant, which had partially collapsed
during the blaze. Firefighters had to quickly get out of the loft when the
floor began to give way. The two victims were removed after the area was
stabilized at about noon. Nevertheless, the bodies did not appear to be burnt.
It is a commercial building used for various businesses, and some have very
similar loft areas that are used as offices, etc. Investigators have
determined that the fire does not appear to be intentional, but the cause of
the fire is still under investigation. The 'Star India' is extensively damaged
and is closed until further notice.
Speaking to Mangalorean.com, Fr. Olvin Veigas, SJ of JSTB Jesuit Community in
Berkley, California, who is close family friend of the owner and his family,
said that he has contacted the Goan community to find out any of Frank Dias'
family or extended family who can claim the body. Acaria Almeida of Goan
community was able to contact a distant cousin of Frank who is trying to obtain
a letter from the family to release the body so that it can be flown to Goa for
final burial arrangements.
Anil Middekadi's body has been released and the Tamil group in California has
come together and has already raised funds within few days. Bertrand Lewis has
made all the financial arrangement to ship the body to his home town.
Speaking to Mangalorean.com, Bertrand Lewis said that he felt the need of
helping Mr. Frank Dias's family financially as he didnt have enough financial
support. Hence, Mr. Bertrand Lewis and Co-owner, Mr. Gregory D'Costa (Goan)
made arrangements to open a non-profit account as "Frank Dias Donation Fund" to
help Frank Dias' funeral and to support his family. "I have graciously agreed
to administer the account and will make necessary arrangement to transfer the
funds to Frank's family" said Fr. Olvin Veigas, SJ, to Mangalorean.com.
Fr. Peter Fernandes of Chicago, St. Thomas church was also contacted by
Mangalorean.com to speak to the family back in Goa to expedite the letter of
affidavit to help release Frank Dias's body as soon as posisble. Fr. Peter
immediately contacted the family and spoke to Frank's wife - Jany Dias. He
told mangalorean.com team that they are in great need of financial help and any
help from anyone will be highly appreciated.
The family needs your support. Those who wish to help Frank's wife and his 9
month old baby, may send your donation to the following bank account and
forward the same to like minded people who would be willing to contribute and
share the burden of Frank's family.
"Frank Dias Donation Fund"
Wells Fargo Bank
Account no. 2989042615
Routing no:121042882
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