A Go Fund Me Campaign Started For Rome Family Who Lost Child in Tragic House Fire

A Rome, New York family is mourning the loss of seven year old Ryan St Andrew following a tragic house fire. To help with the grieving process the community is coming together to help reduce the burden of funeral expenses with a Go Fund Me account.

The blaze broke out at a home across from the Old RFA around 2pm Thursday, February 18th. According to the Rome Police Department, the 7 year old and his 3 year old cousin Christopher Fairchild were visiting their grandparents. The grandfather, Thomas Gazitano was putting the 3 year old down for a nap when the 7 year old left the room. Gazitano went up to the second floor and saw heavy smoke and fire in the hallway. He suffered burns trying to locate St Andrew. Gazitano ran to the sleeping Fairchild and removed him from the home. When he ran back in to find St Andrew he was driven out by smoke and flames.

Rome resident Jessica Jeror, who started the campaign, just wanted to help in any way she could. "I cannot begin to understand the devastation that comes with receiving such news, and as a community we often feel helpless to comfort in times of tragedy," says Sobel. "There are no words to describe the pain that comes with the forced acceptance that you've lost a child, but as a community of parents, we can empathize with the destruction."