An online fundraiser has been set up for the family of a seven-year-old boy who sadly died in a fire at his home despite the best efforts of his firefighter father.
According to online records, the boy - who was identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner as Ezra Stewart - passed away at 6:25PM on Wednesday. He was originally said to be in critical condition, as reported by NBC Chicago.
The boy's mother and two siblings were injured in the fire, per officials.
The Chicago Police Department revealed in a statement obtained by People that the blaze began not long after 9:00PM on Tuesday on the 2500 block of North Rutherford Avenue.
According to law enforcement, a 34-year-old woman, two girls aged two and seven, along with the now-deceased seven-year-old boy "suffered smoke inhalation" and were "transported to various hospitals in critical condition."
According to a spokesperson from Chicago Fire Department, the fire started at the home of an active firefighter, who had been on duty that night, per the Chicago Sun-Times.
The grieving father has been identified as Walter Stewart by Ignite the Spirit, a charity that helps CFD families.
CFD spokesman Larry Langford said Stewart, who had been stationed at Truck 55 in Edison Park, was made aware of the fire at his address while on duty.
When he arrived at the scene, he tried to carry out life-saving measures on his family before they were rushed to hospital, Langford revealed.
A family pet also lost its life in the blaze.
Police have since told People that the cause of the fire is still unclear.
"Preliminary reports indicate that the fire began in the kitchen," a Chicago Fire Department spokesperson said. "At this point, all of our prayers are with our member."
Fire officials, who will be in the area on Friday to give out smoke alarms, stated that the home did have fire detectors.
In a statement obtained by People, Jim Tracy, the president of the firefighter's union, said "every member of Local 2 and the Department mourns with our brother Walter and the Stewart family."
Tracy continued: "This tragedy weighs heavy on our hearts, and we pledge our ongoing support."
When news broke out of the the little one's tragic death, a fundraiser was set up to support the family.
A description for the fundraiser reads: "The Stewart Family is facing an unspeakable tragedy. Walter Stewart, a Chicago Firefighter, was on duty at the firehouse when he overheard his home address on the fire radio, indicating that an active fire was raging.
"When he arrived on the scene he found his house in flames and his wife and children in grave condition. Please keep the Stewart Family in your thoughts and prayers. 100% of the donations collected go directly to the Stewart Family.
"This campaign is being administered by Ignite the Spirit Chicago. To learn more about Ignite the spirit visit https://www.ignitethespirit.org/."
Our thoughts are with the family at this devastating time.
