EVANSVILLE, Ind. — The Vanderburgh County Coroner’s Office has identified two of the children who lost their lives in a devastating house fire early Sunday morning on Powell Avenue. The victims were 14-year-old Jeramya Craig and 10-year-old Paxton Craig, whose deaths have left the Evansville community heartbroken and searching for ways to support a grieving family.
The fire broke out around 1:45 a.m. in the 600 block of Powell Avenue, drawing a swift response from Evansville firefighters. When crews arrived, they found the home engulfed in flames and immediately began rescue efforts. Despite those efforts, Jeramya and Paxton were pronounced dead at the scene. The sudden loss of two young lives has deeply impacted neighbors, first responders, and residents across the city.
A third child who was inside the home at the time of the fire was critically injured and initially flown to a hospital in Indianapolis for advanced medical care. Family members later shared information through a GoFundMe page stating that all three children had passed away. However, officials have not yet confirmed the death of the third child, and some relatives have indicated the child remains on life support. Authorities say they will release updated information once it is officially verified.
Evansville Fire Department Deputy Chief of Administration Kim Garrett spoke publicly about the incident, praising the firefighters who responded to the scene. “They did everything they could,” Garrett said, emphasizing that crews risked their own safety in desperate attempts to rescue the children trapped inside the burning home. His comments reflect the emotional toll the incident has taken on first responders.
As news of the tragedy spread, the Evansville community rallied around the family. Messages of sympathy, prayers, and support have poured in both online and in person. A GoFundMe page has been established to help cover funeral expenses and provide financial assistance during an unimaginably difficult time. Community members have shared the fundraiser widely, hoping to ease even a small part of the family’s burden.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have not yet released details about what sparked the blaze. As that process continues, the focus for many in Evansville remains on honoring the lives of Jeramya and Paxton Craig and supporting their loved ones. Their loss is a painful reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike and how deeply it can affect an entire community.
