Community raises thousands for Arcadia boys killed in fire

ARCADIA, Fla. Family, friends and community members are coming together for three brothers who were killed in a house fire last week.

Marcus Clark, 10, Kiani Clark, 8, and Kemaren Clark, 4, died in the fire that began around 4:30 a.m. in their grandfather’s home on South Lee Avenue, according to the Arcadia Police Department. The children were sleeping when the blaze broke out.

“I live right around the corner from the house and I heard the sirens early in the morning,” said Autumn Stone, the boys’ former teacher. “I had no idea it was my boys. I had no idea,
my heart just left my body.”

Teachers, police officers and volunteers have collected at least $16,000 from drivers for funeral expenses. People have also brought candles and balloons to a large memorial dedicated to the boys at the scene of the fire.

“It’s just sad and it’s a tragedy,” said Tonya Harris, the boys’ cousin. “We’re going to miss them.”

A candlelight vigil will be held Friday night at 229 S. Lee Ave. at 8 p.m.