Watch CBS News

3 People Killed In Brooklyn Park House Fire

BROOKLYN PARK, Md. (WJZ)–Outpouring of support tonight after a tragic fire takes the lives of a mother, her son, and a hero neighbor who desperately tried to rescue them.

Meghan McCorkell has more on the tragic fire Tuesday morning in Brooklyn Park.

Emotions run high as a community comes together to mourn three of their own lost in a horrible fire.

For one pastor, the grief is unimaginable.

"I'm not going to see my wife and I'm not going to see my son," said Pastor Samuel Sinnah.

Just before 3:00 a.m. flames burst out in Pastor Samuel Sinnah's home. He, his wife and 19-year old son made it out, but their 17-year old was trapped inside.

That's when his wife, Lettitia ran back into the flames.

Across the street, Chris Rickman smelled the smoke and set out to help.

"I heard the reverend say my family's in the house and I didn't see Chris. He went right in there and went upstairs," said Rose Rickman, Chris's mother.

Running right through the front door... he never came back out.

"He loved his family and he died a hero," said Chris's sister, Patty Rickman.

Rickman, Lettitia Sinnah, and her 17-year-old son Sundima, known as Sunny-- all died at the hospital.

Tonight, friends and classmates held a vigil here at North County High School where Sunny was a popular student.

Through tears--- hundreds gather to remember the senior-- who was a friend to many.

"No matter what happened he was smiling and he always made you smile if you were sad," said Alecia Bosley.

"Regardless of any situation he was always happy and he would always pray with you or pray for you if you needed it," said Carrie Choate.

Now an entire community is praying and son... and the hero that gave his life to try and save them.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Smoke alarms only worked in part of the home.

Multiple GoFund me page has been set up to try and raise money for both families involved in this tragedy.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.