Vigil Held For 10-Year-Old Victim Of North Philadelphia Fire
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - At just 10 years old, Albert Blassengale was known as a giver. His dad says his son was an organ donor.
"He's donating his heart, his lungs, his kidneys, his pancreas. He always wanted to give. The best thing he ever gave me was an opportunity to be his father," said Jerry Blassengale.
Albert's dad has burns on his face, because when he saw his house was on fire Monday night he knew his little boy was trapped inside.
"As I entered I couldn't take the heat. I passed out. When I passed out someone was pulling me out, but I think it was Officer Gray from the fire department who was coming out with my son," said Blassengale.
After spending several days in the hospital, Albert died on Friday.
Albert was looking forward to his birthday. He was set to turn 11 this Thursday. Instead of celebrating, his dad decided that will be the day he will lay his son to rest.
Releasing white balloons into the air and lighting candles, his family and friends paid tribute to the little boy on Saturday evening.
Albert loved the scouts; he crossed over from the Cub Scouts to the Boy Scouts just days before Monday evening's fire at his home in the 1800 block of 27th Street.
"A dedicated young man and we need to look at our other kids and hope they carry the type of spirit," Albert's Cub Master Winfield Thomas said.
At this point, it is still not clear how the fire started.
Reported by Todd Quinones, CBS 3
