The parents and great-grandmother of a Haleyville child who was killed in a house fire Sunday morning remain hospitalized with serious burns, a family member said Wednesday.
In addition, Scott Pilgreen, deputy state fire marshal, released the cause of the fire.
“It is an accidental fire caused by combustibles too close to an electric wall-mounted heater,” Pilgreen said Wednesday. “Specifically, the couch was too close to the heater and caught on fire.”
Meanwhile, a fund has been established at all Traders and Farmers Bank locations to assist the family with expenses. The account is called the Justin Knight Family Fund.
Sailor Knight, 7, died in the fire, which was reported at 3:28 a.m. at the family’s 1811B 16th Ave. residence, officials said.
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| Sailor Knight, 7, died in the fire |
Craig Knight, Justin Knight’s brother, said the three are at UAB Hospital’s Burn Unit.
“My brother has severe, severe injuries to his lungs,” Craig Knight said Wednesday afternoon, shortly after receiving an update from doctors. “It’s just touch and go right now.
“It’s day to day. His lung injuries are severe. Critical but stable is the best way to put it.”
Doctors believe Justin Knight’s burns will heel without surgery, his brother said.
Wendy Knight had surgery on her hands and face Wednesday morning. Craig Knight said her hands are the most severely burned part of her body. Doctors are hoping no more facial surgery will be necessary.
“She has injuries to her lungs, as well, although they’re not to the extent of Justin’s,” Craig Knight said.
He said Teas has severe burns to her left hand and arm and slight burns to her face, back and right hand.
“She’s 84, and they’re trying new procedures to hopefully not have to do surgery,” he said. “It’s borderline right now.
“The concern with all three is pneumonia setting in. That’s very common with people with burns. They said my grandmother already is showing signs of pneumonia.”
Meanwhile, family members are trying to cope with the loss of Sailor. Craig Knight said no funeral arrangements have been made.
“If there’s any way possible, we want his parents to make that decision,” he said. “We hope within the next few days they’ll be able to wake up and communicate. Of course, it’s going to be so horrible and terrible to try to discuss this with them, especially when they’re injured.”
Craig Knight said his nephew brought joy every time he was around.
“He was full of life and always good for a laugh,” he said. “My wife and I always called him ‘Little Sailor’ because he was so small.
“When you saw him coming, you thought, ‘What’s he going to get into?’ and would sit back and watch him, because he was always so funny to be around. I take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord.”
Craig Knight said his brother has awakened a couple of times and tried to communicate, but it’s difficult with the ventilator and other tubes in him.
Justin Knight knows his son didn’t survive.
“He’s distraught over the loss of his son,” Craig Knight said. “He gets upset really easily when he’s awake, so they have to sedate him again.
“He appears to know that we’re here. He has shown signs as we’ve talked to him that he can hear us, but sometimes is so sedated that we can’t communicate.”
Family members aren’t sure whether Wendy Knight knows her son died.
“We haven’t seen any signs that she’s hearing us now,” Craig Knight said. “The medical staff told us they wake her and Justin about every four hours just to make sure they can wake them. They can follow commands such as nod or raise their hand, so that’s a good sign.”
Teas is conscious and talking, Craig Knight said.
He said the family has suffered tragedies in the past few years, including the loss of his sister and brother. Craig Knight also said the Knight family lost everything in the fire.
“I mean everything is gone,” he said. “We’re just asking for everybody’s prayers and help. Justin and Wendy didn’t have life insurance, health insurance or burial insurance.”
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