Community remembers man killed in North Port house fire

Reporter: Taylor Wirtz
Published: Updated:
CREDIT: NORTH PORT FIRE RESCUE

A community is mourning the loss of a neighbor who had his life cut short in a deadly house fire in North Port.

The home of 23-year-old Tyler Rhoades caught fire on Saturday where he, his two cats and two dogs were unable to make it out.

Rhoades was one of the first employees at the Twisted Fork restaurant in Port Charlotte.

Those who knew him described him as full of energy and spirit and said you couldn’t help but love him even if you met him once.

WINK News reporter Taylor Wirtz visited the Twisted Fork to speak with Rhoades’ co-workers. She was met with a mob of people who couldn’t express enough just how much he was loved.

“Oh, man, everybody knew Tyler. Everybody loved Tyler. Everybody asked for Tyler,” said the Twister Fork owner, Bert Parsley.

When Parsley heard that Rhoades had been killed in a fire, along with his four pets on Saturday, he shut the place down.

The 23-year-old worked as a bartender, server and singer on the Twisted Fork stage.

“Had an incredible spirit and infectious smile, and he was just one of those that you wanted to be around,” said Twisted Fork DJ, Jason Zarifis. “He had one heck of a voice. Everyone remembers him for his song, ‘Kryptonite.'”

Known for his larger-than-life personality, Rhoades was a hit with customers and even closer with his friends and co-workers who said they feel lost without him.

“Tyler definitely had the biggest heart and to say that he’s going to be missed is an understatement. He was definitely cherished,” said a co-worker who wanted to remain anonymous.

Through the tears, come so many moments that make them smile.

“I remember one day he drank three Red Bulls in a very short timeframe, and let’s just say it didn’t do him so well,” said Parsley.

“In any room. He was the center of attention … Dancing, singing, just living life,” said an another co-worker.

“He’s gonna be here no matter what,” said an anonymous co-worker.

There will be a celebration of life for Rhoades on Friday, Dec. 22 at 12:30 p.m. at New Day Christian Church in Port Charlotte with a celebration lunch at the Twisted Fork after.

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