JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A child died early Sunday morning after a house caught fire in Jacksonville’s Mandarin area.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Homicide Sergeant Josh Lloyd said officers were called to Canal Way off Mandarin Road around 3 a.m. Sunday morning about the fire.
Upon arrival, Jacksonville firefighters found a family of three, a dad his two children, and their pet cat at the residence.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) confirmed with News4JAX that two people were trapped when fire crews arrived. The father and one of his children made it out, but unfortunately, the other child and their cat were pronounced dead at the scene.
The family later identified the child that had passed as 9-year-old Ethan.
“The loss of a child is tragic, and no parent wants to go through that. Our condolences go to his family for their loss,” Sgt. Llyod said.
People in the Mandarin neighborhood were still shocked after waking up to the flames.
“I could see the house on fire for a good 45 minutes,” one neighbor who didn’t want to give her name said. “If it weren’t raining, I probably would have left.”
The neighbor said she had seen the family in the neighborhood and was hoping everyone was OK. When she learned one of the children died she was in complete disbelief like many in the neighborhood.
“It’s sad no matter who it is, but I’m sad a little kid was in there,” the neighbor said.
Sgt. Llyod said JSO isn’t expecting foul play, however, they are asking the community for tips.
According to JFRD, the cause of the fire is being investigated by the Bureau of Fire Arson Investigations.
