SOMERS, Connecticut — The four children who died after a fire ripped through a Somers multi-family home last week have been identified, and their obituaries have been released.
All the kids are from the Koropatkin family: 11-year-old Lukas, 9-year-old Genevieve, 7-year-old Benjamin, and 5-year-old Archer.
According to his family, Lukas loved fishing, building Legos, and spending time with friends. He also loved YouTube and wanted to be a YouTuber.
Genevieve was described as the princess of the kids and a "girly girl" who loved anything sparkly and pink. Her family described her as beautiful, outgoing, and clever.
Benjamin was described as a sweet and shy boy who was creative and artistic. His family said he was known for making mosaic pictures and liked to draw.
The youngest, Archer, was described as energetic and sweet. His family said he was the one who notified the other kids about the fire, and he saved lives that night.
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Somers Fire Chief John Roache said the fire started around 10:30 p.m. last Tuesday. When fire crews got to the two-family home on Quality Avenue just off Main Street, they saw large flames shooting from the first and second floors. There were reports of people trapped inside, and crews immediately began a rescue operation.
According to Roache, firefighters had to rescue several people, and one person had to jump out of a second-floor window to escape the flames. Three people were injured, as well as one responding firefighter, according to state police.
Town officials said the children lived with their mother and three other siblings. Officials said the mother was not home at the time, and her 19-year-old daughter, who was watching over the other kids, escaped by jumping out of a second-story window.
A visitation for the children will be held Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels & Crematory. Shuttle Parking will be available at Eli Whitney School starting at 5 p.m.
Services and burial will be held at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting GoFundMe donations to help rebuild their lives.
The town of Somers has launched the Angel Fund to help the family, according to Somers Human Services. Checks can be made payable to the Town of Somers Angel Fund, 619 Main St., Somers, CT 06071.
Angelo Bavaro is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at abavaro@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook and X.
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