A Delaware Hayes High School student died Thursday morning during a fire at her home on High Street.
City of Delaware Fire Chief John Donahue said firefighters were dispatched to the 48 High St. residence immediately after they received the 9-1-1 dispatch at 2:28 a.m. Donahue said they arrived at 2:32 a.m. and began working on putting out the fire, which had engulfed the first floor and was showing through windows on the second floor.
Donahue said firefighters were told that 17-year-old Aaliyah Wilson was on the second floor. Donahue said firefighters used ladders and removed Wilson from the house at 2:45 a.m. at which point the fire was put out.
Wilson was pronounced dead at the scene.
Donahue said the case of the fire is under investigation by investigators from the Delaware City Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal and the City of Delaware Police Department. Donahue said that there are several agencies investigating because it was a fatal fire and that does not mean there is anything suspicious.
Donahue said the extra investigators ensures they look at the fire from all angles.
Delaware Hayes High School Principal Richard Stranges issued a statement Thursday morning saying they had assembled grief counselors around the district to help students deal with the tragedy.
“Aaliyah was a beautiful young lady, full of life and her smile would light up any room she was in” Stranges said. “She will be truly missed by all of us.”
A gofundme page to support Wilson’s family has been set up by her uncle, John Cantrell.
Donahue also reported that three firefighters sustained injuries at the scene. Donahue said because they were unable to turn off the power before fighting the fire, two firefighters sustained electrical shocks. Donahue said they were checked out by medics at the scene and went back to work shortly after that.
Donahue said a third firefighter reported back tightness after the fire.
