Funeral Held For 8-Year-Old Boy Killed In House Collapse And Fire
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A little boy killed in a fiery building collapse is laid to rest in East Baltimore.
Monique Griego reports hundreds of people turned out for his funeral.
A small child size casket was carried by pallbearers in East Baltimore. It's a haunting image that drives home a heartbreaking reality: 8-year-old Troy Douglas is gone.
His uncle spoke with WJZ on behalf of the family.
"It's been rough. The last couple of days have been really rough. We all been having a rough time," said Curtis Douglas, uncle.
Troy's life was tragically cut short one week ago.
The 8-year-old was just walking home from school when a rowhome burst into flames and partially collapsed on top of him.
"They walk the same path everyday and something like this just happens. It's just sad," said Lakeisha Quickly, family friend.
Crowds of people filed into the church of Dynamic Deliverance to pay their respects. Many wore Troy's image on their shirts.
That serves as evidence of the impact he made on so many in just eight short years.
"Troy had a real, major impact on this community. A lot of people coming together," said Bishop James Adams, Church of Dynamic Deliverance.
Making the family's grief more difficult to deal with are all the unanswered questions surrounding what happened. As of right now nobody knows what ignited the fire and explosive that caused the building to collapse.
The fire department and BGE are continuing to investigate the cause.
But loved ones say Wednesday that's not what's important.
It's remembering the life Troy lived, and for a few brief moments tears turned to smiles as they reminisced about a beloved little boy with a face you couldn't forget.
"Those thick ole eyebrows and his cheeks. I love those cheeks," said Mary Harrington, family friend.
"He was so sweet. He was shy. He was always smiling," said Tia Bailey, family friend.
Those memories will live on forever.
"He was so loved. Family everybody. Just so loved," Quickly said.
A memorial fund has been set up in his honor. For more information, click here.
Other Local News: