SHELBY, N.C. -- What was supposed to be a happy trip, turned into a devastating loss for the family of a North Carolina man. 

• Edward Cushman was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease two years ago
• He was on the way to the Super Bowl after he was given two tickets from a foundation
• He later died after the vehicle he was riding in caught fire      

Rob Cushman and his family were on their way to the Super Bowl this past weekend to what should have been a trip of a lifetime. His brother, Edward Cushman was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease two years ago. Bound to a wheelchair, the van they were traveling in was specialized to lock in the chair.

“We had just crossed into Georgia. Right across the line and that’s when the vehicle started shaking,” Rob Cushman said.

Then the vehicle began to smoke.

“At that point, I decided I got to get him out of there. The flames started coming almost immediately,” he said.

But, he couldn't get his brother out. He says they were not able to move.

Cushman suffered burns to his hands and legs and his brother died in the fire.

“It was very surreal the whole time. It happened so fast,” he said.

Team Gleason, a non-profit that aims to raise awareness about ALS had given the brothers two tickets to the big game.

“We had a great relationship with sports, and everything as kids. Ed was very funny almost a comedian,” Cushman said.

His family says it is why it was so hard to see him suffer through the illness. They also say even though they wish this had never happened, it’s nice to know he's no longer suffering.