A Chicago firefighter’s 7-year-old son has died after a fire broke out at the family’s home, also injuring the boy’s mother and two siblings, according to authorities.
Online records show that hedied at 6:25 p.m. on Wednesday.
Afterwards, a 34-year-old woman, two girls, 2 and 7, as well as the 7-year-old boy, who all “suffered smoke inhalation” were “transported to various hospitals in critical condition,” police said.
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After arriving at the scene, Stewart attempted to perform life-saving measures on the family before they were hospitalized, Langford said, according to NBC Chicago.
When contacted on Thursday morning, police told PEOPLE that the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the fire began in the kitchen,” a Chicago Fire Department spokesperson told PEOPLE. “At this point, all of our prayers are with our member.”
Fire officials, who will be visiting the neighborhood on Friday to distribute smoke alarms, have publiclyconfirmed the home did have fire detectors.
On Thursday morning, after news of the 7-year-old boy’s death was announced, a fundraiser was created to support the family.
“The Stewart Family is facing an unspeakable tragedy. Walter Stewart, a Chicago Firefighter, was on duty at the firehouse when he overheard his home address on the fire radio, indicating that an active fire was raging,” read a statement on Ignite the Spirit’s social media page.
“When he arrived on the scene he found his house in flames and his wife and children in grave condition,” the charity wrote, alongside a link to where donations can be made. “Please keep the Stewart Family in your thoughts and prayers.”
source: people.com
