The Somers community is rallying around two families that were impacted by a deadly fire that killed four children last week by fundraising and searching for the families’ lost dogs.
The fire, which broke out on Jan. 2, started in a home on the left side of the multifamily house on Quality Avenue, where a mother lived with her eight children.
Seven children were home at the time of the fire. Four children were killed in the blaze: 11-year-old Lukas Koropatkin, 9-year-old Genevieve Koropatkin, 7-year-old Benjamin Koropatkin and 5-year-old Archer Koropatkin, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
The children died from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries and their deaths were ruled accidents, the OCME said.
Somers Fire Chief John Roache said the fire started in the area at the bottom of the stairs, preventing some of the children from getting out of the house. A back door was blocked by furniture, Roache said.
Three of the children who died were found upstairs and one was found downstairs. The oldest sibling, a 19-year-old, jumped from a second-floor window to escape the blaze, the chief said.
A litter of puppies was also killed in the fire.
Two dogs, a 1 ½-year-old German Shepherd and a 3-year-old Husky, escaped the fire but are still missing, according to the CT Dog Gone Recovery Volunteer Network.
Neighbors asked people to stay away from the charred remains of the home, as crowds may be scaring the dogs away if they are trying to return home. Anyone who sees the dogs is asked to call 860-810-2020. The volunteer network advised against calling out to or chasing after the dogs if they are seen.
Several local businesses are also hosting fundraisers on behalf of the families, many adopting the slogan “Somers Strong,” in addition to multiple GoFundMe campaigns that have been set up by loved ones.
Colleen Karoliszyn, whose sister Bonnie Karoliszyn lived in the neighboring home that was also destroyed in the fire, launched a GoFundMe to support the Tomalonis-Karoliszyn family.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude at the outpouring of love and support from the community,” Karoliszyn told the Courant. “ We are also heartbroken for the family next door.”
Bonnie Karoliszyn and her partner Ryan, their children Hunter, Addelynn and Owen, and their family dog Mochi all escaped the fire unharmed.
The family lost their home and all of their belongings “and find themselves homeless and starting from scratch right after the holidays,” according to GoFundMe.
“They have a difficult and long journey ahead of them and could use a helping hand to get back on their feet.”
Donations will go to supporting their immediate needs, such as coats, shoes and food, and to starting a foundation to support their recovery.
Three GoFundMe campaigns are raising funds for the Koropatkin family.
Brittany Whiteley, whose sister lost her four children in the fire, launched a fundraiser that has raised about $35,000.
Whiteley’s employer Greg Sarkozy, who is the general manager for the Dunkin’ in Bradley International Airport, launched another fundraiser for the family.
“I know that the pain from this tragedy will never completely subside. The fire destroyed their home and all of their possessions. The fire destroyed their family,” Sarkozy wrote on the fundraiser. “The family is now completely displaced struggling to cope with the loss of these innocent lives. I’m hoping that we can all help donate and start the recovery process.”
A cousin of the family launched another GoFundMe that has raised nearly $90,000 more. The funds are being used for funeral services for the children and necessities for the surviving family members.
“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for those who have already assisted — neighbors, first responders, emergency personnel, and surrounding communities. Your kindness means the world to us. If you find it in your heart to contribute, thank you in advance for your generosity. If not, please keep our family in your prayers as we navigate through this heartbreaking time,” the fundraiser says.
Around town, the Town of Somers Angel Fund is sending donations directly to the families.
Monetary donations and household items are being collected for the families at Somers Pizza & Family Restaurant, Henny Penny, Department of Public Works and Social Services at the town’s recycling center.
Reclamations and Creations Woodworking is selling $5 wooden hearts that say “Somers Strong,” and Sue’s Shirt Creations is selling “Somers Strong” shirts with all proceeds going to the families.
In support of the families, residents are also asked to light their homes with red and white this weekend, the color of the Somers Spartans.
Chief Roache said investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire.
Roache said the fire was able to spread quickly because the home, built in 1928, had balloon frame construction and lots of void spaces. The fast-spreading fire moved from the first floor to the second and cut off the stairwell, according to the chief.
Fire crews initially pulled two children out of the home. One of them was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was pronounced dead at Johnson Memorial Hospital, according to Roache. Crews shortly thereafter found two more children who were pronounced dead.
Roache said he was thankful to the 11 departments that responded to the fire to provide mutual aid.
The surviving members of the Koropatkin family are safe and together, he said.
