Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation – Further details have emerged regarding the tragedy in Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation. Five lives were lost in a house fire early Thursday morning, including those of four children. The community has now released the names of the victims involved.
The deceased parent, and longtime foster parent, Geraldine Chapman, lost her daughter in the fire, Shyra Shadara Taylor Bella Chapman age six, as well as three of her foster children, Angel Kenisha Mckay aged 12, Karl Jovon Cutfeet aged nine, and Hailey Ocean Jenna Chapman aged seven.
Chief Donny Morris states, “Our community is grief-stricken and are doing our best to provide support to the family and all affected by this horrific tragedy.”
Another daughter Thyra Chapman, age 19, was away accompanying another community member on a medical trip.
Chief Morris conveyed the community’s recognition that “Geraldine raised her adopted children as her very own with the mutual consent of the three families involved and that the community of Kitchinuhmaykoosib Inninuwug recognized these children as her own. It is important to understand, however, that this devasting tragedy has directly impacted four families and, as a result, extends throughout the community as a whole.”
The Forensic unit has completed its investigation but is still holding the scene until the completion of the postmortem. Yesterday evening the remains of the deceased were removed from the scene and transported to Toronto for postmortem examinations.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
Chief Morris shared “The family and community is grateful for the outpouring of support they have received.”
Chief Morris adds, “At this time the cause of the blaze is still undetermined. 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.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been started at: https://www.gofundme.com/tragic-fire-in-ki.
