DETROIT- Family members are mourning the sudden and untimely death of two young boys following a Christmas Day house fire on Detroit’s east side.
When firefighters entered the home, they found the bodies of a 6-year-old and 7-year-old in the front room of a two-story home. A Christmas tree was also found inside, where the children likely would have gathered.
Family has identified the boys as 6-year-old Damarion Wheeler and 7-year-old De’Lon Wheeler.
“Please pray for us… please pray for us,” family said at the fire scene.
The fire broke out at around 9:00 a.m. in the 2000 block of Helen Street, near Eight Mile and Van Dyke.
When firefighters arrived, they saw heavy fire coming out of the windows of the house. 30-year-old Demeaka, the mother, had jumped out of the second-floor window with a 3-year-old in her arms. They did not appear to be injured and were hospitalized as a precaution, officials said.
Two other children also made it out of the home, an 8-year-old girl with third-degree burns on her hands and face, and a 10-year-old boy who suffered smoke inhalation. They were on the first floor and made their way out by themselves.
They are currently at Children’s Hospital and listed in critical condition.
“It’s definitely a Christmas tragedy,” said David Fornell, a deputy fire commissioner. “Just horrible.”
Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the fire, but say it’s likely accidental.
A GoFundMe has been started to help the family during these hard times. You can donate by clicking HERE.
