‘Rest in eternal peace’: Family fondly remembers 3 siblings killed in Concord fire

CONCORD, N.C. — The family of three children who died in a Concord house fire is sharing more about who they were.

Just after 1 a.m. Sunday, the Concord Fire Department responded to a fire at a one-story housing duplex on Lincoln Street Southwest. Firefighters battled the flames for about 10 minutes.

An 11-year-old girl and her 15-year-old brother died in the fire. Their 16-year-old sister died later at the hospital.

Investigators said the siblings were home alone when the fire started.

A GoFundMe, which was started by a family friend, identifies the children as Daniella Kueviakoe, 16, Stephen Kueviakoe, 15, and Emmanuelle Kueviakoe, 11.

“Their bond was unbreakable as a family, and their presence will forever be missed by all who knew and loved them,” a family member said in a statement shared with Channel 9.

Each of the children are described as follows in the statement:

“Daniella, a cherished daughter, sister, and friend, was known for her infectious laughter and unwavering positivity. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of everyone around her.

“A beloved son, Stephen was a pillar of strength and love within his family. Stephen’s legacy will continue to flourish in the lives of those he cared for so deeply.

“Emmanuelle, a bright and spirited young soul, brought joy and laughter wherever she went. Her insatiable curiosity and boundless energy made each day an adventure and her innocent spirit reminded everyone of life’s simple wonders. Emmanuelle’s radiance will forever shine as a beacon of light in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Family asked that the three siblings be remembered by the lives they lived.

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Fatal Concord house fire

“In this time of profound sorrow, let us unite in celebrating the beautiful legacy they leave behind and find solace in the memories that will forever connect us,” the statement reads.

The friend organizing the GoFundMe asked for donations for the family, saying the sibling’s mom would need help burying her children.

>> To contribute, click here.

The statement from the family concludes by saying the kids will always be remembered.

“Though their physical presence is no longer with us, their love and memories will continue in our hearts. May they rest in eternal peace.”

The City of Concord said it is hosting a prayer vigil Friday, along with the Logan Community, where the home is located. The vigil will be on Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the courtyard of the Concord Housing Department at 283 Harold Goodman Circle Southwest.

The city has also partnered with Grace Lutheran Church in Concord (58 Chestnut Drive Southwest) to serve as the community-wide contact for donations. People and organizations wishing to offer support to aid the families can call Rev. Donald Anthony at 704-701-7167.

‘It’s a hard time for everybody’

Next to the charred siding and the police tape, a dozen red heart balloons were floating on the porch of the home Tuesday in a growing memorial for the children who died.

“We just wanted to show our condolences,” Kayla Mitchell said. “I [brought] my kids by -- we [brought] balloons. We knew them when they were little. It’s a hard time for everybody.”

Mitchell lived in the neighborhood years ago and dropped off three balloons for the kids her mom used to babysit. But as the condolences came in for the three children who died, the family who lives next door was clearing out their smoke and water-damaged unit.

Linalda Florentino and her three kids moved next door in February. She said her daughter, Liliana, played with Emmanuelle and Daniella.

“She was very sweet to me and my friends,” Liliana said. “We used to have a bunch of fun waiting for the bus.”

Florentino said they wanted a fresh start in Concord and could never have imagined waking up to the terror they faced Sunday morning.

“I just remember hearing somebody that was sitting outside already storming at my door, my son panicking, I didn’t know what was going on,” Florentino said.

Her 13-year-old son, Lisander, tried banging on the front door next door to alert anyone who may have been inside.

“The fire was coming up -- there was no window, it was all fire. There was no way anyone could go in,” he said.

“I tried but I don’t know how they didn’t hear us, I was banging so hard,” he added.

Florentino and her family said their smoke detectors never went off. We don’t know if they went off next door, but the fire department said the last time they inspected the home in January, they were working.

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