need to know
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An adult and five children who died in a house fire in Ohio on March 3 have been identified as mother Brooke Gordon and her five children: Zayden, 10, Hudson, 8, Ashton, 6, Bostyn, 2, and 9-month-old Tomlyn.
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Gordon’s fiancé and the children’s father, Tommy Allen Jr., survived and was being treated for “serious injuries,” according to a GoFundMe set up after the tragedy
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GoFundMe organizer Pamela Hauck told CBS affiliate WKRC-TV she is close to the family
An adult and five children who died in an Ohio house fire earlier this month have been identified.
A Clinton County EMA spokesperson previously confirmed to PEOPLE that the fire occurred at 6:40 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
One adult male survived and was transported to a nearby hospital.
The victims of the fire have been identified as mother Brooke Gordon and her five children: Zayden, 10, Hudson, 8, Ashton, 6, Bostin, 2, and Tomlin, 9 months.
Brooke Gordon and her family.
Image source: GoFundMe
Tommy Allen Jr., Gordon’s fiancé and the children’s father, was identified as the surviving adult.
Hauck wrote in the description of the fundraising page that “a devastating house fire has struck a tragic chord in the Clarksville, Ohio community,” killing six family members.
“This loss is unimaginable and the heartbreak is felt deeply by everyone who knew and loved this family,” Hauck continued.
Hauck said little Allen was seriously injured and was being treated at Miami Valley Hospital, but he still had a long way to go.
“In the aftermath of this tragedy, Tommy not only faces the overwhelming grief of losing his family, but also the daunting challenge of recovering and rebuilding his life. Funds raised through this event will go directly toward funeral expenses for Brooke and the children, as well as helping Tommy secure housing and meet his basic needs during his recovery,” Hauck wrote.
“Thank you for standing with Tommy and remembering Brooke, Zaden, Hudson, Ashton, Bostin and Tomlin,” her fundraiser description concluded.
As of publication, the fundraising page has raised more than $57,000, more than half of its $90,000 goal.
Hauck told CBS affiliate WKRC-TV that she was close to her family before the tragedy. “They’ve been to birthday parties at my house. They’ve swum in my pool. They’re the only cousins that my two grandsons have. Now my grandson is the only grandchild, and it breaks my heart. It breaks my heart,” she said.
“I’ve never met a mom as good as Brooke to so many kids. She’s amazing. She’s amazing,” the family friend added.
House fires in Ohio.
Image source: WLWT/YouTube
Eight firefighters were injured at the fire, news outlets reported.
“Due to the extensive extent of the fire and the structural weakness and degradation of the home at the time, they were unable to climb the steps,” said Clinton County EMA Director Thomas Breckel.
Clinton-Massie Local Schools officials previously said in a statement that three of the victims were students in the district.
Clinton-Massey High School, Ohio.
Image source: Google Maps
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“We know tragedies impact not only families, but classmates, staff and the broader community. Our schools are deeply connected places and moments like this are deeply felt by many,” the district said.
The Ohio Department of Commerce tells PEOPLE that an investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
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