A tragic house fire in Wabash on Saturday claimed the life of 2-year-old Delilah Goforth and left her 6-month-old brother Bentley in critical condition. The devastating incident has left a family and community grappling with heartbreak while rallying to support the survivors.
A Family Forever Changed
The fire struck without warning, leaving the Goforth family in shock. Delilah was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her family mourning the loss of a little girl described as sweet, precious, and irreplaceable. “I just don’t know what I’m going to do without her,” said Ivy McKinney, the children’s aunt. “She was so sweet and such a precious little girl. And now she just has to be our angel.”
Delilah’s younger brother Bentley was rushed to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. While his condition remains critical, McKinney shared a glimmer of hope: “That’s one thing I’m super thankful for is that he’s pushing through. He’s a fighter. He really is.”
An Outpouring of Community Support
In the wake of the tragedy, the Wabash community has come together to support the grieving family. Leaders in the city are collecting gift cards and gas cards to help the family with immediate needs. Donations can be dropped off at the Wabash Police Department or City Hall between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Additionally, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the family with expenses during this difficult time. The fundraiser, organized by Kynzee Lynn, is aimed at helping the family rebuild their lives and support Bentley’s recovery.
“The people with all these kind, good souls that are just trying to help out and doing everything they can, it really means a lot,” McKinney said. “Anything and everything helps.”
Unanswered Questions and Lingering Pain
As the family mourns Delilah’s passing, they are left with haunting questions about why this tragedy struck them. “Why’d it have to be us? Why’d it have to be our family?” McKinney asked.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire. For the family, material losses are secondary to the overwhelming grief of losing Delilah. “We could care less about the belongings, we could care less about the house,” McKinney said. “It’s mainly the fact that we lost her that’s the problem.”
Finding Strength Amid Heartache
Despite their pain, the family is holding onto the memory of Delilah and the strength of Bentley’s ongoing fight. McKinney shared a heartfelt sentiment: “She’ll always be with us no matter what.”
The Goforth family remains grateful for the kindness shown by their community during this time of unimaginable loss. While the road ahead is uncertain, the support they’ve received provides a measure of comfort amid the tragedy.
