SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A mother who was injured in an apartment fire in Southwest Miami-Dade, that claimed the lives of her 4-month-old son and the baby’s great-grandmother, has died in the hospital.
Officials said on Wednesday that 19-year-old Rukiyah Lashae Kendrick, who had been fighting for her life at the hospital, succumbed to her injuries.
“It’s devastating, the whole thing, and I just wish it was a dream, a bad dream, but unfortunately, we must face the reality,” said Charlene Brooks, the child’s great aunt. “It was very hard yesterday, when we got the news at the hospital about her condition, and they allowed us to come in and have our final moments with her.”
Kendrick’s 22-year-old boyfriend, the boy’s father, survived the fire and is being treated for severe burns.
Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze inside the family’s home, near 102nd Avenue and 172nd Street, early Saturday morning.
Paramedics transported the infant, Legend Jamir Larose, to Jackson South Medical Center where he later died.
“We’re praying, we’re not giving up and losing hope in reference to the boyfriend,” said Brooks. “We’re not losing hope. We still trust in God for him.”
Police said Kendrick’s 70-year-old great-grandmother was trapped inside and was also killed. Her body was removed from the apartment hours later.
The tragedy has left loved ones devastated but still able to find some comfort.
“She’s with her baby, she’s with her baby again, and she was such a good mother that would never want to leave her baby’s side,” said Brooks.
Detectives believe the fire started in a back bedroom.
As the investigation continues, the victims’ family are holding on to their faith as they prepare to lay the young mother and her baby to rest.
“We were already starting the process for one funeral and were hoping just to care for her throughout this process, but now it’s going to be two funerals, a double funeral,” said Brooks.
A GoFundMe page has been created to help the family with burial expenses, but more than anything, they are asking for one thing.
“Prayers, prayers. This is devastating, to get the news this morning that she’s gone,” said Brooks.
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