KALAMAZOO, Mich. — A Kalamazoo family will lay a beloved brother and sister to rest later this week after the pair were killed in a house fire.
They are survived by parents Duane "D.J." Blackport and Amy Yearian, as well as a sister.
Friends and family remember 7-year-old Elliot as a sweet boy who loved working with tools with his father.
"Elliot’s autism was piqued by several interests which included watching & listening to ASMR videos & long tractor rides with Grandpa," his obituary reads.
"Elliot was sneaky and often stole hats and sunglasses from the people he loved the most. He will be remembered most for his unforgettable character, making messes and playing with his younger sisters."
Evelyn loved to color on the kitchen counter. Her infectious laughter brought joy to her family.
"She was always such a happy helper, whether it was helping mommy & daddy or her siblings. Evelyn loved Elliot the most, they had a bond that would never be broken in life or in death, their love was like no other," their obituary reads.
"They truly had a special way to communicate between themselves, sometimes it would be through their shenanigans or the ways she knew how to get under his skin, but loved him greater than he would ever know. They were always together. & they will be forever missed."
The Blackport family thanked the community for the support, while also asking for privacy as they mourn.
"The Blackport Family is extremely appreciative of all the ongoing & outpouring support that we have received during this devastating tragedy. The gratitude we have felt escapes words.
The Blackport Family wants everyone who has helped to know how much their contributions mean in order to provide some sense of normalcy to their current situation.
However, during this unimaginable present time, the family asks that they be allowed to grieve privately.
Again, we thank Our community for the overwhelming support."
A visitation is set for Friday, Oct. 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 14 at 1 p.m. at New Apostolic Church.
If you'd like to contribute to a fundraiser for funeral expenses and ongoing living expenses, you can visit the family's GoFundMe here.
The fire sparked around 2 a.m. Monday in the 1500 block of E. Stockbridge, the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety said.
Before firefighters and emergency personnel made it to the home, an adult and a child were able to escape.
As crews made it to the scene, they were met with heavy fire on the first floor. It quickly spread to the second floor, authorities said.
Two children didn't make it out, and crews found them dead inside.
Detectives and the Fire Marshal's Office are investigating the cause of the fire, but it appears to be accidental.
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