Burial Help Needed for Family Killed in Fire

The community is rallying to help cover the burial expenses for a family killed in a Tuesday morning fire.

The blaze at 3720 E. Paris St. broke out shortly after 4:30 a.m. Sheryl James, 61, and her grandsons Emjay Jackson, 3, and Reshard Ashley, 8, died Tuesday. Romello Jackson, 8, survived the blaze, but was taken off life support at a local hospital and died Wednesday, the Tampa Police Department has confirmed.

The fire, which caused more than $40,000 damage to the home, began in a bedroom. Fire officials have said the accidental blaze sparked due to a faulty power cord. The family did not have an operational smoke alarm in the home.

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As the community reels from the tragedy, some have stepped forward to create a Gofundme campaign to help cover the burial expenses for James and her three grandsons. The fundraiser has a goal of $15,000 and was launched Tuesday. So far, a total of $2,320 has been raised.

To donate, visit the Gofundme campaign page for the family.

Gofundme screenshot