Tragedy in Rome After Child Dies in House Fire [VIDEO + PHOTOS]

The Rome community is mourning the loss of a 7 year-old child who has been identified as Ryan St Andrew, after a fire on Turin Street.

The blaze broke out at a home across from the Old RFA around 2pm Thursday, February 18th. According to the Rome Police Department, the 7 year old and his 3 year old cousin Christopher Fairchild were visiting their grandparents. The grandfather, Thomas Gazitano was putting the 3 year old down for a nap when the 7 year old left the room. Gazitano went up to the second floor and saw heavy smoke and fire in the hallway. He suffered burns trying to locate St Andrew. Gazitano ran to the sleeping Fairchild and removed him from the home. When he ran back in to find St Andrew he was driven out by smoke and flames.

Rome Fire Department members arrived on scene, located the St Andrew and carried him to an ambulance. He was pronounced dead at Rome Hospital a short time later. Gazitano was also treated for his injuries.

St. Andrew was a second grade student at Ridge Mills Elementary School in Rome. Although Rome schools are not in session this week due to the mid-winter break, Rome City School District officials will have grief counselors available for students and their families.

Sunshine Stone lives down the street and says she noticed the fire when her black lab howled. "The fire hydrant is right across the street and when I looked out the window I saw a firefighter rushing to hook up the hose." Stone shared pictures and video of several firefighters working to put out the blaze.

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help the family cover funeral expenses.

We send our thoughts and prayers to not only the family who lost a love one in this tragedy but the community who is mourning as well.