Capital Region Rallies Around 2 Children After Tragic Troy House Fire

UPDATE: Heartbreaking news out of Troy. City officials say 11-year-old Abigail Rizzo has died from injuries she suffered in Sunday night’s devastating house fire. The fire also claimed the lives of Abigail’s mother, Alicia Ruefle, and her father, Dominick Rizzo Jr.

Devastating Fire in Troy Claims Two Lives

Words can't even begin to describe what one Troy family is going through this morning.

A devastating house fire Sunday night on 13th Street in Troy has claimed the lives of two parents and left their two children facing an unimaginable road ahead.

According to reports, firefighters responded to the home around 9:35 p.m. Sunday.

An adult man, an adult woman, and an 11-year-old girl were pulled from the home and taken to the hospital, while a 12-year-old boy reportedly escaped the burning house by jumping from a second-story window.

Family members have identified the parents as Dominick Rizzo Jr. and Alicia Ruefle.

Photo: Rizzo Family GoFundMe

GoFundMe Has Been Set Up to Help Out the Family

The GoFundMe was initially created after Dominick died and Alicia and their daughter, Abigail, were hospitalized with extensive burns.

Sadly, the family shared another devastating update Monday morning: Alicia did not survive the night.

"In one night both Abigail and little Dominick lost both of their parents," fundraiser organizer Missy Remington wrote.

Abigail remains hospitalized and, according to the family, faces a long road to recovery that will likely include multiple surgeries. Her brother, Dominick Rizzo III, survived after escaping through a second-story window.

Photo: GoFundMe.com

Now, the Capital Region is rallying around these two children. As of approximately 11 a.m. Monday, the fundraiser had already raised nearly $15,000, and the number kept climbing.

Organizers say that donations will help family members care for Abigail and Dominick following the loss of their parents, assist with Abigail's medical and recovery-related needs, and help cover funeral expenses for Dominick and Alicia.

The family is also asking for prayers as they try to navigate a level of grief that's difficult to comprehend. Hopefully, the Capital Region can surround them with as much love and support as possible in the incredibly difficult days, months and years ahead.

Video Shows Troy Firefighters Battling the Blaze Sunday Evening

Heartbreaking video from Sidewinder Photography shows firefighters battling the devastating three-alarm fire on 13th Street in Troy Sunday night.

According to the post, crews arrived to heavy flames and reports that people were trapped inside, immediately beginning an aggressive search and rescue effort. Despite extreme heat and heavy smoke, firefighters located and removed three victims from the home as additional departments rushed in to assist.

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Tragically, we now know two lives were lost, while another victim was transported to the Westchester Medical Center Burn Center.

Our thoughts remain with the children, their family and loved ones, as well as the first responders who worked desperately to save those inside.