‘Pillars of faith’: North Texas pastor, wife killed in Colleyville house fire
The Tongan community in North Texas is mourning the loss of a beloved pastor and his wife who were killed in a Colleyville house fire during the winter storm on Saturday.
The Rev. Salesi Havea, 78, and Sela Havea, 77, were “pillars of faith, love, and service,” according to the GoFundMe set up by Cathy Uhi Chatman. The couple were connected with the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, the island nation’s largest Christian denomination.
Firefighters were called to the 3600 block of Sweetbriar Lane shortly after 10 a.m. on Saturday. They found heavy fire conditions at the residence and learned that two people were still inside, according to the department’s Facebook post. Both Salesi Havea and Sela Havea died at the scene.
Two adult sons escaped from the residence and were taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to the GoFundMe.
The couple’s daughter, Etina Havea, told KTVT-TV that her parents were devoted to serving others.
“I knew growing up, he was our father, but in the sense that he was everybody’s father because he really did care so much about everybody,” Etina Havea said. “And my mother was always behind him. She was the kind of woman that just loved unconditionally.”
The GoFundMe will help support the Havea family through this difficult time, Chatman wrote in the fundraiser. Over $16,000 toward the $50,000 goal had been raised as of Tuesday afternoon.
“Above all, we ask for your prayers, love, and support for the Havea family as they grieve, heal, and rebuild their lives,” the fundraiser states.
The cause of the deadly fire is under investigation, officials said.
This story was originally published January 27, 2026 at 12:41 PM.
