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Support pours in for family of children killed in fire

Investigation ongoing; donations being accepted
August 13, 2019

Fire officials had no update Aug. 12 on a house fire that killed three children in Pot-Nets Bayside Aug. 7, but there are several ways the community can help.

Assistant State Fire Marshal Michael Chionchio said the investigation is still ongoing to determine the cause of the fire that killed twins Skyler and Veronica Marchuck, 4, and their cousin Amaya Gentner, 18 months old.

Chionchio said a 2-year-old child who survived the fire was taken to Beebe Healthcare for evaluation and was released to a family member. Chionchio estimated the loss of the home at $50,000.

How you can help

Firefighter/EMT Albert Apicella, who said he is friends with the family, set up a GoFundMe account. More than 260 people have donated over $17,000 in three days. 

“This family has lost everything, and we cannot imagine what they are going through,” Apicella said. 

Organizers of the Paradise Grill Flounder Pounder, set for Aug. 14-18, have set up a secure donation button at www.flounderpounderopen.com. All money raised will be given to local nonprofit The Good Ole Boy Foundation for distribution to the family.

Proceeds from the fishing tournament’s daily raffles, 50/50 drawings and live auction Aug. 18 will go toward the family. Anyone wishing to volunteer can email sandy@paradiseislandde.com with dates and times available. 

Tunnell Companies L.P., owner of Pot-Nets Bayside, is accepting clothing donations for survivors at the main office for Pot-Nets Communities, near the intersection of Long Neck and Pot-Nets roads at 34026 Anna's Way, Long Neck, DE 19966.

Items needed for three surviving family members include:

  • 12-18 month clothes, size 5 shoes, size 5 diapers and 2T pull ups
  • XL shirts, size 17 pants and size 7-8 shoes
  • Medium shirts, size 17 in pants and size 6 shoes

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