Fundraiser Begun For Family Of Redding 6th Grader Killed In House Fire

REDDING, CT — An online fundraiser has been established for the Redding family of the child who died after their home caught fire.

Brien Karlson, 11, his sister Kelly, 9, and their parents Tara and Scott were rescued from their burning home on Diamond Hill Road and taken by emergency crews to the hospital Tuesday night.

Brien succumbed to his injuries Wednesday afternoon, according to a statement released by Redding school officials. He was a sixth-grader at John Read Middle School.

"Brien was a curious and gentle soul whose love for people and animals was apparent to anyone who spent any amount of time with or around him. Tara and Scott are now experiencing every parent’s worst nightmare, and Kelly lost a best friend," organizers posted on the GoFundMe campaign page.

The community has pledged $56,519 to the fundraising campaign as of late Thursday afternoon.

Chris Parkin, chair of the Redding Board of Education, said that counseling will be available at Redding Elementary and John Read Middle schools into next week.

Firefighters from multiple local departments responded to the blaze, which broke out just before midnight.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and is under investigation by the Redding Fire Marshal's Office.

GoFundMe is a Patch Partner.