The life of a 5-year-old boy who died at a hospital following a Williamsbridge house fire last year is now remembered with a street renaming.
Family, friends and community members gathered at the corner of Burke Avenue and East 227th Street in Williamsbridge, now officially designated as Kashmir’s Way, in remembrance of Kashmir Marquis, who died in a house fire in 2024.
On Jan. 3, 2024, a fire ravaged 4011 Barnes Ave. The blaze, which started in the basement of the building, was fueled by three illegal apartments that had been constructed in the space, according to the Department of Buildings.
Kashmir was transported to NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi in critical condition and later died due to his injuries, police say. An 83-year-old woman and a 26-year-old woman were also transported to Jacobi in stable condition.
Saturday, Kashmir’s mother, Keyion Gonzales-Marquis, stood before the newly unveiled street sign, reflecting on the son she lost and the future he never had the chance to see.
“I was at work when this happened,” she said. “It’s not like I was out partying or doing anything reckless. I was paving the way for my baby.”
Gonzales-Marquis said the pain of losing her only child is something she will carry forever.
“He knew that mommy loved him. And I know that my son loved me,” she said.
She described Kashmir as a joyful, music-loving child with a bright personality and an ever-present smile.
“Kashmir never cried. He was always smiling, and he loved music,” she said. “He was the sweetest being.”
Though his life was cut short, Gonzales-Marquis said her son’s spirit continues to inspire her.
“I continue to just push and live every single day. I would not want it any other way but Kashmir’s way.”
Gonzales-Marquis said she hopes to honor his memory by starting a nonprofit to advocate for fire safety.