LYNCHBURG (WSLS 10) - A tragedy has a Lynchburg family grieving.
Timothy Chittum Sr. and his son Timothy Chittum Jr. were electrocuted by a power line while doing maintenance work on a roof Wednesday night.
"He promised me we would grow old together and raise our kids," wept Chittum Jr.'s wife Nikki Chittum.
Nikki grieves surrounded by family and close friends.
"No one understands," said Nikki. "It's hard enough losing one, but we lost both at one time. We're mad, we're sad and we don't know how to feel."
Wednesday night, Nikki's husband, Chittum Jr., and father-in-law, Chittum Sr., were working on a chimney along Rowland Drive. Police said both men died when their ladder touched a high voltage electrical powerline.
Nikki and Timothy just celebrated their one year anniversary in May. Her husband leaves behind three children, two six-year-old girls and a 4-month old baby boy who shares his father's name.
"I did not want a Timothy Lee III," said Nikki. "I begged and pleaded my husband." Now, Nikki is happy the name stuck.
"I got my T.C. now," said Nikki. "He looks just like his dad and his grandfather. They're all a spitting image of each other."
Family told us both men loved Nascar, had big hearts and often worked on side projects together.
"Anything they could do to help someone or help provide for the family, they would do," Nikki added.
Chittum Sr.'s did not want to talk on camera, but said part of the reason she was attracted to him was because he was handy with tools and a great father.
"He was always there for me, did anything I asked," commented Chittum Sr.'s daughter, Jessica. "I'll just carry on by raising my children the way he raised me."
Now, pictures and family carry on the memories of the father and son.
"T.C. I love you with all my heart," said Nikki said as tears streamed down her face.
Family members have created a Go Fund Me account to help offset funeral costs and put aside money for Chittum Sr.'s three children. If you would like to donate, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/2fnfrxx8.