An 11-year-old girl died after trying to save her puppy from a fire at her family’s home in Georgia.
Katelynn Simmons ran back to the burning home in Spalding County, about 40 minutes from Atlanta, on Saturday night to try to rescue her dog ‘Little Man’ from the flames.
Spalding County Fire Chief Mike Byrd said WSB-TV The fire “was visible from a mile away,” after his crew was called to the home around 5:30 p.m.
Once firefighters arrived, they immediately began searching for Katelynn in the “very advanced” fire. The team soon located her upstairs, but it was too late to save her.
The girl’s adoptive aunt, Tressia Perry, said Katelynn’s stepfather and adoptive uncle tried to return to save her, but “they couldn’t get in.”
‘Katelynn, she’s like us, an animal lover. “She went upstairs and got that puppy,” said her uncle, Charles Beecher. fox 5. The dog did not survive either.
Katelynn Simmons, 11, died Saturday night in a house fire in Spalding County, Georgia, after running back to save her beloved puppy ‘Little Man.’ (pictured: Katelynn and her dog)
Spalding County Fire Chief Mike Byrd said the fire “was visible from a mile away” after his crew was called to the home around 5:30 p.m. (pictured: charred home after the fire)
At the time of the fire, Katelynn’s brother and two other people were inside the home and survived.
It is unclear if his parents were home at the time of the incident and if anyone tried to stop him from running back into the flames.
The fire was ruled accidental, but it is unclear what caused it. DailyMail.com has contacted the Spalding County Fire Department.
Byrd said one firefighter was injured and taken to the hospital. All responding firefighters were offered counseling to help process the disaster.
‘We all came in with that attitude. “We’re going to do everything we can, as far as humanly possible, to try to make a difference,” Byrd told Fox 5.
‘And these stories [are] “Just tragic for us.”
Outside the house, friends and family set up a memorial filled with stuffed animals and flowers.
The roof of the house was collapsed and charred after the intense fire took hold.
The girl’s adoptive aunt, Tressia Perry, said Katelynn’s stepfather and adoptive uncle tried to return to save her, but “they couldn’t get in.”
The roof of the house is seen collapsed and charred after the intense fire took hold. One firefighter was injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
A GoFundMe page has been created for the young woman’s family as they lost everything in the tragic fire. (pictured: Katelynn’s mother Kristy Rollins, her stepfather Kevin Rollins and her brother)
“It’s hard knowing I won’t be able to see her again,” her uncle said.
‘It’s hard. I mean, 11 years. His life was simply taken too soon.
Katelynn was a cheerleader for Spalding and Pike County Recreation Centers and attended Cowan Road High School.
TO GoFundMe The page was created for the young woman’s family, since they lost everything in the tragic fire.
‘This is the worst thing that can happen to a father. The pain and anguish she feels is unfathomable,” said the page’s organizer, Meredith Smith, on behalf of Katelynn’s mother, Kristy Rollins.
All proceeds raised will go to the family, including Katelynn’s mother, stepfather Kevin Rollins, and her brother. As of Tuesday morning, more than $7,000 has been raised to help with funeral costs, new housing for the family and clothing.
Donations of clothing, food and toiletries for the family are also accepted at a local church.
“His visit here on earth was short, but his family will experience this for the rest of their lives,” Smith said.
Heartbroken family and friends took to social media to remember the young woman.
Her loved ones have shared the hashtag #LLK, Live Like Katelynn, on social media and posted about local fundraisers in support of her family.
Outside the charred house, friends and family set up a memorial filled with stuffed animals and flowers.
A raffle was held at a furniture store, Act Now Liquidation, as several items will be given away to those who purchased $5 tickets that will go to the family.
“This one hurt a lot,” Angel Morgan said in a Facebook post.
“Sissy was so young, beautiful, funny, full of attitude, smart and let me tell you, she was as direct as they come,” he added.
Another family member, Lindsey Moore, posted videos and photos of Katelynn and said, “Fly high, ladybug.” [sic] He will always have a place in my heart and the hearts of many others.’
Her loved ones shared the hashtag #LLK, Live Like Katelynn, on social media and posted about local fundraisers in support of her family.
A raffle was held at a furniture store, Act Now Liquidation, as several items will be given away to those who purchased $5 tickets for the family.
Another small business, Local Nutrition, offered 25 percent of its profits to go to Katelynn’s loved ones and even named a drink after her.
‘The family is struggling at the moment. “They’re going through a tough time,” Perry said.