Two of the children who died played for the East Austin Sports Teams.
AUSTIN, Texas — Emotions ran high Wednesday night as family, friends and teammates came together to remember three children who died in an apartment fire in southeast Austin overnight.
The crowd met at the Roy Velasquez Sr. Complex where two of the children used to play. The girls were part of the East Austin Sports Teams.
“It’s going to take us a very long time to recover from this,” said President Bino Cadenas.
The vigil started with a prayer, followed by a moment of silence before fellow teammates lined up on the basketball court – candles in hand – to remember their friends.
Coaches became choked up while describing the girls and told those listening to their heartfelt words to hold each other extra tight.
“Cherish every moment on these fields – any mistake, any celebration,” said Cadenas. “Just think of it as a cherished moment.”
Austin fire officials and staff with victim services were also at the vigil to offer support.
Cadenas said they started a fundraiser to help the family, and asked the crowd for any other ideas to help them.
Officials haven’t identified the children and out of respect for the family, the team chose not release their names.
At least four others were hurt when the flames tore through the apartment on Burleson Road, near East Oltorf Street overnight. Austin-Travis County EMS officials said that two adults and another child were taken to the hospital.
The team cancelled practice Wednesday in light of the tragedy, but will resume their normal schedule on Thursday.
If you would like to help the family through the fundraiser, it can be found here.