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SOUTH SALT LAKE -- Just over 24 hours ago, 10-year-old Jackson Avery died in an apartment fire in South Salt Lake. His mother and older brother got out safely, but Jackson didn't make it.
Jackson's brother and two aunts met with KSL News Tuesday to talk about their loved one. They were of course very emotional, but mostly wanted to give the public a glimpse of who Jackson was.
"He was such an original, unique child. He was so spunky and sweet," Jackson's aunt Erin Allred said.
"He was my best friend," his 18-year-old brother, Steven Avery, said. "He meant more to me than anything I could possibly want or need in this life. HE was, like my mom says, he was the heart of my heart."
Jackson was in 2nd grade at Robert Frost Elementary. He was raised by a single mother, Tonya Avery.
Family members told us his mother just lost her job a few weeks ago. Now she's lost everything -- her home, her belongings and her son.
Tonya Avery couldn't talk to us because family members say she's just crushed, and simply trying to get by.
"You can't go home, and you've lost your boy. There's nothing else you can think about," Allred said.
"The sad scenario is that Tonya, my niece, lost her own mother when she was 18," said Kristy Avery Huber, Jackson's great aunt. "She's had to bury her own mother and now she has to bury her son."
The fire at the Royal Garden Apartments started around 12:30 p.m. Monday. South Salt Lake firefighters think it accidentally ignited on the first floor, near a fake Christmas tree in the living room.
Once crews started extinguishing the fire, smoke prevented them from making immediate entry. Fire Chief Steve Foote said crews did everything they could but were unable to save Jackson, who died of smoke inhalation.
"I wish I could just have five more minutes with him to take him and do anything, anything," Steven Avery said. "I just can't."
Huber said the family is not only in mourning, but they're in great need. The American Red Cross is helping them with immediate needs, but Huber said Jackson's mother does not have the kind of money to pay for a funeral.
"Someone has donated a casket," Huber said.
Huber said other people, whom she calls "angels," have come forward to help the family, which obviously is going through a difficult time.
"This was a fun-loving little boy who had all the world in his hands," Huber said. "He's going to be missed."
If you would like to help the family, a donation account* has been set up on Tonya Avery's name at all Credit Union One locations.
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Story compiled with contributions from Nicole Gonzales and Marc Giauque.
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*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
