Purple Heart recipient grandfather dies after saving his 3-year-old granddaughter from house explosion

Don Osteen, an Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, sacrificed his life saving his 3-year-old granddaughter from a deadly home explosion that took place in Oklahoma last week.

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Don and his granddaughter, Paetyn, were eating lunch in the family's kitchen when a gas explosion rocked the family home.

The explosion and subsequent fire is believed to be a result of a propane leak.

Brendon Osteen, who is Paetyn's father and Don's son, told the KFOR-TV that Don saw the roof crumble onto his 3-year-old granddaughter and jumped into action despite his own massive injuries.

"He just got out of the house, and headed straight towards where he knew help was," Brendon told the station. "He tried to get in his truck and his keys were melted to him. His phone was exploded in his pocket."

Don whisked Paetyn to safety, carrying her a quarter-mile away from the home for medical help.

Don suffered a collapsed lung, broken ribs, and extensive burning over most of his body, but fought to save his grandchild's life.

"He was a man set in his faith and he knew where he was going," Brendon said. "And once he knew he did his job, he knew to relax and go home, you know."

Don died in the hospital as a result of his injuries on Monday.

Brendon shared the news of Don's passing in a moving Facebook post.

"He was surrounded by a large group of his favorite people for his last 5 days. He knew that he did his job by saving the life of his Boo Boo Chicken," Brendon wrote. "He loved my daughter beyond unconditionally. And he gave it all for her to live. He was a great God fearing man who impacted so many people. And he will be missed dearly."

"Rest in Peace Daddio. You're a hero," he concluded.

Paetyn was still in the hospital as of Tuesday, but doctors expect that she will recover after a long road.

Brendon told the station that she'll be tough if she's anything like her late grandfather.

"If she's anything like her papa who has been good to her so far then she'll be tough," Brendon said. "That's what he was first and foremost. I mean, he was all about that baby and she was all about him."

An online fundraiser has been set up to benefit the Osteen family in their time of need.