GoFundMe Set Up For Teen Killed In Columbia House Fire Who Lost Dad 2 Years Ago

COLUMBIA, MD — A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family of 15-year-old Katie Chase who was killed in a house fire March 20.

Firefighters from the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services were called at 7:30 p.m. to the 11500 block of Shell Flower Lane in Columbia for a townhouse fire with a report of someone trapped inside. Crews found fire visible from the second floor of the home when they arrived. Firefighters searched the townhome and found Chase dead inside. Her mother Sue and sister Nicole were home at the time and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Chase was a 10th grader at Wilde Lake High School and a member of the Wilde Lake 'ohana, including the marching band. Neighbors remembered her as a sweet and quiet girl who was bright and talented.

"It's been a tough day, really devastating," neighbor Stephanie Ojeda told CBS News. "She was a sweet girl, quiet girl, very bright, very talented academically and musically."

Four people have organized the GoFundMe to help with the family's funeral expenses.

"Only 2.5 years ago they also lost John Chase, husband and father. Coping with the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face, and to have to endure it alongside displacement due to a fire makes the situation even more difficult," the GoFundMe stated. "Losing both Katie and John in such a short period of time has added further stress to an already overwhelming situation. Please consider supporting Sue and Nicole to help them navigate through this challenging period of grief and transition. With time, patience and support, we hope they can gradually find ways to honor the memory of Katie and John while also moving forward with their lives."

Principal Marcy Leonard sent a letter to the Wilde Lake school community, WBAL reported, that said, in part:

"Having been given permission to do so from the family, we shared this sad news with students in their third period classes this morning. During these guided discussions, we gave the students an opportunity to ask questions, validated their feelings and reactions, identified coping strategies, and shared information on additional resources available at school throughout the day. Members of our Student Services Staff and the HCPSS Crisis Intervention Team are available for any students who need individual assistance. The counselors will contact the parents of any students who access this support.

"The death of any member of our school community is a loss, and an unexpected death may be especially difficult to understand or accept. ...

"Please contact your child's counselor or one of our administrators if you have any concerns about how your child is coping with this sad news. The HCPSS Mental Health and Wellness page on the school system website also has many links to resources in our county. Following is the link to the webpage.

"At this time, we do not have any information about services and will share any information we receive as guided by the family's wishes. Thank you so much for keeping Katherine's family in our thoughts and hearts."

Crews brought the fire under control in about 20 minutes. The Red Cross is assisting the home's residents.