Krystalee Hernandez and three other family members die in fatal Hartford fire

Krystalee Hernandez and three other family members die in fatal Hartford fire

Fatal Hartford fire death of Krystalee Hernandez and her three relatives

A growing remembrance is forming near the spot of a fire that claimed the lives of four family members in Hartford on a Monday morning, leaving the survivors without possessions. Authorities have not yet confirmed the identities of those who lost their lives, but a family acquaintance named Katiria Charles revealed the victims were Krystalee Hernandez, her 25-year-old and 14-year-old sisters, and her 3-year-old nephew. People gathered at the site, leaving balloons and toys as memorials while sharing personal memories of the deceased. Jennifer Garcia, described as a family friend, expressed deep sorrow, saying, “We’re holding on, trying to stay strong. There’s been so much crying, shouting, and anger. Why did she leave? Why did they leave? Not just one, but four.” Charles stated that Hernandez was her son’s partner, adding they had been together since they were teenagers and she had lived with her for six years. She suggested Hernandez might have returned to rescue others on the upper floors, but tragically failed to escape. Fire officials confirmed that eleven people resided in the house, with four other relatives and a firefighter receiving medical attention. They are all expected to recover. Two family members recently visited the damaged property, with one having bandages on their hands.

Stephanie Willis, who told the news station her cousin owned the house, shared her grief, noting the home was a place where she had raised seven children and never thought it would lead to the loss of three daughters and a grandson. She recounted the events, saying, “My cousin mentioned the girls were right behind her, but the flames became too intense, and they panicked. They went back upstairs.” Hartford’s mayor, Arunan Arulampalam, visited the memorial and assured the family of the city’s support. He shared, “I held my kids tighter. As a father and as the city’s mayor, my heart aches for this family. It’s a devastating tragedy.” A nearby resident, identified only by his first name as Roussell, explained that smoke and flames woke his family early Monday, with his sister alerting him to the danger, prompting a rush to see the fire. He described the experience as extremely frightening and heart-wrenching, something he hopes to forget.