KITCHENUHMAYKOOSIB INNINUWUG FIRST NATION, Ont. – The victims of a deadly house fire in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation have been identified.
The Thursday blaze, which ravaged Macheetao Road home in the Northwestern Ontario First Nations community, claimed the lives of Geraldine Chapman, 47, and her daughter, six-year-old Shyra Shadara Taylor Bella Chapman, as well as foster children Angel Kenisha McKay, 12, Karl Jovon Cutfeet, nine, and Hailey Ocean Jenna Chapman, seven.
According to a news release issued Monday afternoon, the forensic unit has completed its investigation, but is still holding the scene until the completion of the post-mortem examination.
The remains of the deceased were removed on Sunday evening from the scene and transported to Toronto for post-mortem examinations.
KI Chief Donny Morris said the family and community is grateful for the support they have received during this time.
“At this time the cause of the blaze is still undetermined,” Morris said in the release. “Our focus right now is on helping the family and our community cope. We will address the direct and underlying causes of the fire once we have dealt with the community crisis at hand. We ask that all organizations, government and media respect our wishes in this regard.”
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started at https://www.gofundme.com/tragic-fire-in-ki and has raised nearly $22,000.
