Vigil Held For Family Killed In Bellevue Duplex Fire
BELLEVUE (KDKA) -- A vigil was held Saturday for a family of five killed in a Bellevue fire.
Flames broke out Friday at a duplex at 435 Roosevelt Avenue. 41-year-old Stephen Lasch, 38-year-old Angela Lasch and their three children: 11-year-old Noah Lasch, 6-year-old Kayley Lasch and 4-year-old Hannah Lasch, were all killed.
A memorial was seen outside their home over the weekend.
BELLEVUE: Small makeshift memorial taking shape outside Roosevelt Ave home where family of 5 died in overnight fire pic.twitter.com/Hpr0bcAcvT
— Ralph Iannotti (@IannottiRalph) April 16, 2016
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Saturday evening, around 200 people gathered outside the Bellevue Elementary School on Lincoln Avenue. Kayley Lasch was in the first grade at the school. Her brother, Noah, attended the school up until the second grade. More recently, he was home schooled.
Vigil outside Bellevue Elementary School for 5 members of the Stephen Lasch family who died in house fire pic.twitter.com/c9DVXZMve3
— Ralph Iannotti (@IannottiRalph) April 16, 2016
Event organizer Melinda Arlof said the vigil exemplifies Bellevue.
"We have a very small community, we all get together when things like this happen, we get together, and get stronger for everybody," she said.
Loved ones of the Lasch family told KDKA they have been overwhelmed by the love and support that has poured from the community.
Angela Lasch's sister Charity Puszakowski said she is still reeling from the loss.
"It's a lot to go through. You're called at 11:30 at night and you find all these things out, it's traumatic," she said.
Puszakowski said the Lasch family was extremely close.
"My sister and her husband were all about their kids. Every one of them struggled with medical issues so they were a very close-knit, tight family and they were a very good example of having joy within your family and being there for each other."
Angela's mother Debra Abraham said the loss highlights what is important in life.
"Angela and Stephen taught their children morals, principals and good living and character. So important that we be reminded of of the simple things, of what life is truly about, everything else just fades away," Abraham said.
The family had been planning a birthday party for the youngest child Hannah, who recently turned four.
A GoFundMe page has been created to cover the funeral costs for the family. More than $18,000 had been donated by Saturday evening.
This is a developing story, stay with KDKA and KDKA.com for more details.