18-05-2025
Community gathers to honor fire victims
KINGSVILLE — Around 250 people gathered for a candlelight vigil Friday at Kingsville Elementary School to honor victims of a fatal fire earlier this week.
The fire occurred early Monday morning at a home in the 5700 block of South Wright Street.
According to their obituary, the three victims were 1-year-old Celeste Long, 7-year-old Kingsville Elementary student Brooklynn Ortiz and their pregnant mother, 24-year-old Isabella Georskey.
The fire is under investigation.
Vigil attendees included friends and family of the victims, local firefighters, civic leaders and others from Kingsville and the surrounding community.
Attendees received pink ribbons, matching Ortiz's favorite color, and could give donations for the victims' family.
Buckeye Local Schools Superintendent Patrick Colucci addressed vigil attendants.
He said the fire and deaths are an unimaginable tragedy that has weighed on everyone.
'My heartfelt condolences go out to the family,' he said.
Colucci was thankful for the people who came to the vigil, and for the work of school staff and administration to help students as they grieve, he said.
Kingsville Elementary School Principal Kristi Feather said the loss has been tough on both staff and students.
'We're just trying to support each other day by day,' she said.
Kingsville Elementary Parent-Teacher Association President Alexandra Fultz said the news of the tragedy was overwhelming.
'When I heard of this tragedy, I found myself asking 'What can we do?'' she said. 'I cried for several days.'
Fultz said she was thankful for the support of Kingsville and surrounding communities.
'Your outpouring of love and support has lifted the hearts of many, and we are grateful,' she said.
Former Kingsville Elementary student and Conneaut City Manager Nick Sanford led attendees in prayer.
'I want to express my absolute condolences and grace to not only the family, but to this entire community,' he said.
Sanford said the victims will be remembered in all of the community's hearts.
'It goes without saying that why we're here tonight speaks to the virtue of our love for those who we've lost this past week, and for those whom we grieve for as one united family, as a community,' he said.
Firefighters from Kingsville and surrounding communities, many of whom were at the scene of the fire, attended the vigil.
'We don't ever like losing anyone,' Sheffield Volunteer Fire Department Interim Fire Chief Robert Ocasio said.
Community Counseling Center staff were at the vigil, offering support to attendees.
'My staff has been [at Kingsville Elementary] this week, providing services for the students,' said Lilly Claycomb, CCC team lead for school-based services for Buckeye schools.
Claycomb said anyone needing CCC support can reach out by calling 440-998-4210.
'If you need help, please reach out,' Claycomb said.
