GoFundMe Set Up For Family Killed In Des Plaines Fire

DES PLAINES, IL — A GoFundMe has been set up by a cousin of a family killed Wednesday in a house fire in Des Plaines. Creator Violeta Gomez-Garcia is hoping the campaign will help pay for burial expenses and other costs.

The GoFundMe campaign, which has a goal of reaching $50,000, is written in Spanish and in English.

The victims, who all lived at the home in the 700 block of West Oakton Street, were identified as Citahaly Zamiodo, 25, and four little girls: Renata Espinosa, 6; Genesis Espinosa, 5; Allizon Espinosa, 3; and Grace Espinosa, 1.

Gomez-Garcia is a cousin of Juan Manual Espinosa Serrato, father of the children and husband of Zamiodo. Gomez-Garcia said the family doesn't have the means or the resources to pay for burial and other associated expenses.

"My cousin is devastated with this tragedy. They were born in Mexico," Gomez-Garcia told Patch. "About a year ago, she and the girls received their residency and began their life in the U.S. Her family (Zamiodo's mom, dad and sibling) reside in Mexico. We are looking for help so they can come for their funeral. They don't have passports, or visas, to travel into the states and we need help finding a way for them to come in time for the funeral."

Names Of Little Girls, Woman Killed In Des Plaines Fire Released

Fire officials are blaming a space heater for a house fire in preliminary investigation findings released Thursday. The findings show that the fire originated at the top of the stairs of the second-floor unit — the only entry and exit to the unit in the 700 block of West Oakton Street. Based on the location of the fire, officials believe it prevented the family from being able to escape, according to a release.

"From my heart we would appreciate even the smallest amount that you could contribute to this noble cause," Gomez-Garcia said in the GoFundMe description of the campaign. "Beforehand, thank you very much."

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