Milwaukee, WI — 12-year old Adrian Cross tried to rescue his younger brothers in their Milwaukee home that was being engulfed by a fire, but sadly he died after being trapped inside. His family said that Adrian was already outside the house, but went back to save his brothers not knowing that they had already made it out safely.
Reportedly, after re-entering the house, Adrian became trapped on the second floor of their home. He had no idea that all of his 10 family members — six adults and four children — already made it to safety.
“All of a sudden, [the family] started screaming,” June recounted.
Milwaukee Fire Chief Mark Rohlfing said fire officials came “on the scene in three minutes. Unfortunately, the fire was too far along.”
Chief Rohfling visited the neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon after the tragedy. He reminded residents to have working smoke detectors and a fire evacuation plan.
“Talk about, ‘How do I get out of a room if there is a fire?'” Chief Rohfling said. “‘What are my two ways out?’ Think about having a meeting place outside.”
The investigation regarding the cause of the fire is still ongoing. There were no other injuries reported.
The Red Cross is currently assisting the mourning family who said they were relying on their faith in order to cope.
June said, “Through God, because that is the only strength we’ve got. I know God has better plans for all of us.”