GoFundMe started to help Framingham restaurant owner's family whose house caught fire

FRAMINGHAM — Fans of Murphy's Eats & Treats and others are rallying for the eatery's owner and his family after a fire heavily damaged their home and killed their cat.

A GoFundMe account has raised nearly $83,000 as of 8:30 a.m. Monday, eight days after Shaun Keefe and his family were forced from their home at 17 Pine Lane in Framingham after a fire.

"While we are grateful that the entire family is safe and unharmed, the emotional and physical toll of this disaster is immense," GoFundMe organizer Jason Heggs wrote. "The Keefe family has lost everything and left with only the clothes on their backs. Rebuilding their lives from scratch is going to be a long and challenging journey. Shaun and Eileen have always been the first to offer help to anyone in need, regardless of the situation. Now, they need our help."

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Fire Chief Michael Dutcher said the fire occurred a little before 3 a.m. Sunday. Residents of the home reported the fire and got out of the house, he said.

"On arrival, the crews found heavy fire coming from the rear of the residence," Dutcher said. "They made an aggressive interior attack to help stop the fire."

Nobody hurt but fire chief says house is 'uninhabitable'

Dutcher said it took firefighters about 25 minutes to get the fire knocked down. Neither the residents nor any firefighters were injured, but a cat died, the chief said.

"There's significant damage to the interior, particularly at the rear of the house," Dutcher said. "It's uninhabitable. They won't be able to be in there for quite some time."

The cause of the fire is unknown and is being investigated by the Framingham Fire Department and the state Fire Marshal's Office. Dutcher said the fire is not believed to be suspicious.

PHOTOS: Haddock, full belly clams, scallops, on Fisherman's Platter at Murphy's Eats & Treats

Shaun Keefe owns Murphy's Eats & Treats, which is known for its burgers, ice cream and fried seafood. It has two locations, one at 16 West Union St. (Route 135) in Ashland and another at 911 Edgell Road in Framingham.

Keefe could not be reached for comment on Friday.

The GoFundMe originally sought to raise $75,000 to help pay for temporary housing, food and clothing, bills and to replace items that were destroyed in the fire. To donate, visit https://gofund.me/8d4878de.

"Let's come together and rally behind the Keefe family," according to the GoFundMe. "Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference. Even your thoughts and prayers are a blessing during this challenging time."

Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow him on X @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: GoFundMe to help Framingham restaurant owner whose home caught fire