A tragic blaze left seven people dead on Sunday morning in Cicero, IL. The Chicago fire damaged several houses located on the 3000 block of 48th Court leaving more than 20 people homeless. The fire claimed the lives of 20 year-old Byron Reed, 19 year-old Sallie Gist, and their sons Rayshawn Reed and Byron Reed. The inferno also took the lives of Gist’s brother Elijah Gist, sister Elisha Gist, and family friend Tiera Davidson. The relatives had reportedly congregated at the Cicero, IL, residence to celebrate the birthday of a family member. The building, located at 3034 48th Court, contains two two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom apartments
Five of the deceased, including the three children, were found in the attic of the residence according to Cicero Assistant Fire Marhall Ron Opalecky. It remains unclear whether or not anyone was living in the attic when the fire started. The total number of individuals that were in the building when the fire started is still unknown. The City of Cicero took 23 persons who were in the building and surrounding areas to a public safety facility. The town promises to investigate occupancy regulations in the coming days.
The victims of the deadly fire should pursue an investigation into the blaze as soon as possible in order to preserve evidence. An experienced Chicago injury lawyer can help investigate the fire and protect your rights.