CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A fourth child died as a result of injuries sustained during a basement fire that broke out Sunday in West Humboldt Park, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed.
Axel Cruz, 4, died Wednesday night, a county official said.
The Chicago Fire Department said the fire broke out around 12:20 a.m. on Sunday. Later that morning, Aidan Cruz, 5, was pronounced dead. On Tuesday, county officials confirmed that Jayden Cruz, 6, and Angel Rodriguez, 11, had passed away.
Two adults were also injured in the fire, according to Chicago police. Both were taken to hospitals with minor smoke inhalation and were listed in good condition.
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The Chicago Fire Department said the fire started in an illegal basement apartment that had only one exit. The exit was blocked by flames.
Larry Langford, the Chicago Fire Department spokesman, said it’s unclear what set the fire, or if it was accidental.
Neighbors and friends gathered at the Children’s Garden of Hope, which is down the street from the boys’ apartment, to mourn and remember them on Wednesday.
“It makes you love your kids a little more,” said Valerie Fernandez, a neighbor who attended the vigil and knew the boys through a local day care center. “Give them a kiss, and be happy that you’re all here together.”
A GoFundMe page has been started to financially support the boys’ mother and sister as they recover.
Contributing to this story: Chicago Sun-Times Media Wire
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