MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – News 6 has gathered details about a tragic incident involving a fatal mobile home fire that occurred on Christmas Eve.

The fire completely destroyed a residence on Whaley Road in the northern part of Merritt Island, leaving several roommates without a home.

According to a GoFundMe campaign, one of the residents, Holly Marchica, was unable to escape the blaze.

Those who knew Marchica remember her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and cherished friend.

[WATCH: Christmas Eve fire claims a life in Merritt Island]

One of Marchica’s roommates, who made it out alive, told his story Friday to Merritt Island Community Correspondent James Sparvero.

“What happened was terrible,” Luis Contreras said. “I’ve never been through something like that, never.”Contreras said he survived by climbing out a window.“One more minute, and I wasn’t here because I was already getting all that soot and smoke,” he said. “I guess the guy upstairs wants me a little bit longer here.”

Contreras offered his condolences to Marchica’s family.

“I’m so, so sorry,” he said. “It’s unreal.”

Like firefighters at the fire station in the neighborhood, Contreras said he didn’t know what started the fire either.

If you’d like to help Contreras with expenses right now, you can donate to a GoFundMe that’s been set up for him too.

A young mother who lived in the home is also asking for donations on GoFundMe.