29-01-2025
Community holds vigil for family killed in Independence apartment fire
INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — A family of four was killed in an apartment after a neighbor's stove top was left unattended.
According to the Independence Fire Department, crews responded to a fire at Independence Ridge apartments around 6 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22. For over four hours, fire crews battled the flames, along with the weather conditions.
'I know up there my sister was telling them that they were going to be okay and they're just waiting for the firefighters to come get them, that's what I keep telling myself,' Mikayla Zielinski said.
Their names were Katelyn, DeVante, 8-year-old Bella and 3-year-old Aaliyah.
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'Remember her as the lively spirit she was always willing to help others,' Katelyn's sister Makayla Zielinski said.
'He protected his family in the end like he was raised,' DeVante's older sister Lolita McShann said.
'Sitting in the car with her dancing along to 'Wheels on the Bus' by CoComelon with her definitely those are my favorite things to remember,' Zielinski said of 3-year-old Aaliyah.
Tuesday night, a candlelight vigil was held outside the building that was standing tall exactly one week ago.
In the crowd, lights from candles lit up dozens of faces. Some little ones.
'Bella's teachers are here, which are great support for her, kids in her classes are here,' Zielinski said.
A community coming together to uplift each other during a tragic time.
'I always say that adults need villages too and this felt like a village and that's what matters most,' McShann said.
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The families say they are grateful the community ha snot only supported them but the other dozens of people who lost everything in this fire.
There is a pay for funeral expenses.
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