The victims were a 13-year-old altar boy and a 24-year-old National Guard soldier. The family is asking for help with a GoFundMe.
By Catholics for Catholics
A deeply pious Catholic family from Los Angeles is reeling from a tragedy after a 13-year-old altar boy and his older brother were killed in an explosion in an apartment complex. Authorities suspect that the fire was caused by fireworks.
According to The California Post, the new sister publication of the New York Post, Carlos Hernandez, 13, was found dead inside the apartment, while older brother, Christopher Benitez, 24, was rushed to the hospital and later died from his injuries, family members said.
The surviving family of the victims created a GoFundMe campaign organized by Christopher’s sister, who described the tragic blast as an “accidental house fire.”
Carlos, the 13-year-old, was an altar boy at St. Rose Catholic Church in Maywood, an independent city that is part of the County of Los Angeles. His mother is a lector at Holy Mass and the whole family is known for their devout Catholicism.
“Carlos Abraham Hernandez, a child of God and a big part of the church community along with his older brother, Christopher,” wrote his brother, Alexis. “He participated as an altar boy and was a tremendous influence on boys in his age group. He was full of life, with a great sense of humor that made everyone smile, even during hard times.”
About Christopher, his brother wrote: “Christopher Benitez was my younger brother, just 24 years old. He was a National Guard soldier, a full-time student, and a true family man. Chris was brave, fearless, smart, and kind—always there for everyone, helping in any way he could. He loved his pet dogs and our family deeply. His passion for cars and the military inspired him to pursue a future in law enforcement. Chris was also a dedicated member of our Catholic church community and loved being a mentor for the youth.”
The sister said the accidental house fire left the family without the two brothers. She added that they passed away due to their critical injuries.
“Our family is heartbroken. We are raising funds to help pay for their funeral, their showing, and any other necessary expenses as we try to heal from this unimaginable loss,” the sister wrote. “Our whole family thanks you for your support, and it brings us comfort to know that Chris and Carlos made a difference in your life.”
The California Post reported that about 60 LA County firefighters speeded to the building on the 6500 block of Purdy Avenue just after 6 p.m. Tuesday following reports of the explosion.
A preliminary probe of the scene revealed “materials consistent with homemade explosives and fireworks,” police later said.
“We thought it was an earthquake because the house literally felt like it went up, like it lifted,” Wendy Gutierrez, a tenant, told KTLA.
Gutierrez rushed out of the kitchen to check on her children and found an injured boy.
“He was running from the house yelling and screaming, and I saw his foot, and he was bleeding,” she said. “I just held him and told him to relax. I tried to call 911, but I was so hysterical too,” she said.
The child was treated at the hospital and has since been released.
GoFundMe link > https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-chris-carlos-support-for-our-family
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