There was sorrow and hope in Port Richmond Wednesday night as a community stood in front of the charred remains of a home where a devastating fire tore a family apart.
The fast-moving fire sent five members of the Budzilo family to the hospital in critical condition Tuesday afternoon.
Debbie Budzilo, her father-in-law Gene and her three sons -- Christopher, Jacob and Nicholas -- were all inside their home along the 2700-block of Madison Street when the blaze broke out around 2 p.m.
All three boys suffered severe burns in the fire, the family said. Nicholas, 3, died of his injuries Wednesday. Christopher, 5, and 1-year-old Jacob are still fighting at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children and their grandfather Gene is still hospitalized on life support at Temple University Hospital.
Debbie, who is pregnant, was released from the hospital Wednesday.
"She's hanging in there," said friend Kristine Eisele. "She's a strong person I'll give you that."
At a vigil for the family, 200 people gathered to pray for the recovery of those still hospitalized.
"We tragically lost Nicholas today and we're hoping not to lose anymore," the boys' aunt Mia Cini told the crowd.
Investigators say the fire started in a second floor bedroom trapping Nicholas and Christopher inside before spreading to the rest of the house. They are still trying to determine what sparked the blaze, but say there were working smoke detectors in the home.
A memorial fund has been set up for the family. Donations can be sent care of the Budzilo family to Beneficial Savings Bank at 2514 Aramingo Ave., Philadelphia, Pa. 19125.
"[The family] wanted to thank you for all your support and donations and keep them in their prayers," an emotional Cini said.
