JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A grieving family is asking for support from the community after a 9-year-old passed away after a house caught fire in Jacksonville’s Mandarin area.
On Sunday, a boy, who family has identified by the name of Ethan, passed away after a fire broke out around 3 a.m., Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Homicide Sergeant Josh Lloyd said.
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Donate to GoFundMe: Remembering Ethan: A Brave Young Soul
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue said when firefighters arrived at the home with three people inside, two were trapped inside. A father and one child managed to escape, but unfortunately, Ethan died in the fire.
Related: Child killed in Mandarin house fire; Bureau of Fire Arson investigating
Sam Martin, who identified herself as the sister-in-law of Ethan’s mother, launched a GoFundMe to assist the family with funeral expenses.
In the post, Martin said Ethan was a hero.
“Ethan was a hero, getting his brother and father out of the house,” Martin wrote.
If you would like to contribute to Ethan’s funeral arrangements, click here.
My sister-in-law lost her nine-year-old son, Ethan, in a tragic house fire this morning. Ethan was a hero, getting his brother and father out of the house. But unfortunately, God gained another angel today. I don’t even know where to start. I can’t imagine having to plan my own child’s funeral.
So, I’m asking on behalf of my brother Anthony and sister-in-law Ashley for any contributions to help with funeral arrangements. Please pray for my nephew Ethan and my family. Ethan’s with God now! Funeral arrangements date TBD
Sam Martin, family member and GoFundMe organizer