'Unimaginable Tragedy': Fundraiser Supports Family Of 3 Girls Killed In Crete House Fire

CRETE, IL — The grandmother of three girls killed in a Crete house fire earlier this week described the loss as "unimaginable," in a GoFundMe started to support the girls' father and family.

Crete fire crews responded just before 1 a.m. Wednesday to a reported fire on Chalet Court, Haemker said in a press conference Wednesday afternoon. A full still alarm was called.

After initial entry, conditions inside the home worsened, pushing crews back out. The roof collapsed, and high heat prevented crews' entry. The attack went defensive, and crews battled the blaze for 40 minutes before getting it under control.

Once inside, crews found four people dead, now identified as Walter Palmer, 71, and three girls. The Will County Coroner's Office did not identify the juveniles, but CBS 2 Chicago reported the girls as Kassidy, 16, Mary, 10, and Ivory, 8.

"It's devastating," Haemker said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office, and multiple accidental causes are being investigated, Haemker said.

"The pain and heartbreak our family is feeling right now is overwhelming, and we are struggling to cope with the loss of these precious girls," family wrote in the GoFundMe. "As we try to navigate this difficult time, we are reaching out for help to cover the funeral and memorial expenses so we can honor their memory and say our goodbyes."

All funds raised will be used directly towards funeral and memorial costs for the girls, the fundraiser reads.

"Your support will help ease the financial burden and allow us to focus on grieving and supporting each other as a family," the GoFundMe organizer wrote. "Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference and is deeply appreciated.

"This tragedy has left our family devastated and our grief is overwhelming. Thank you to everyone from the bottom of our hearts for your support and prayers during this difficult time."