‘Unimaginable loss’: Cape Cod elementary school mourning 6-year-old student who died in house fire

HARWICH, Mass. — A Cape Cod elementary school is mourning the loss of a 6-year-old student who died in a house fire over the weekend.

Kyi Odeen Bourne, a student at Harwich Elementary School, died from injuries he suffered when his family’s home at 177 Route 6A in Orleans went up in flames on Saturday night, his mother said in a GoFundMe post.

In a letter to the school community, Monomoy Regional School District Superintendent Scott Carpenter said Kyi will be “deeply missed by all.” Carpenter encouraged the public to contribute to the GoFundMe to help the young boy’s family with funeral expenses and the costs associated with rebuilding their entire household.

The family is welcoming other donations including clothing, and gift cards for grocery stores, gas stations, and department stores, according to Carpenter. Those who are interested in donating can drop off items in the lobby of the elementary school at 263 South Street.

Kyi’s mother, Shantal Thomas, said in the GoFundMe that her son had been living with Autism. His favorite color was red, and his favorite cartoon was SpongeBob SquarePants.

Firefighters responding to a report of a blaze shortly before 9 p.m. found smoke and fire coming from the second floor of the home. Upon arrival, they learned Kyi was unaccounted for.

When firefighters arrived, they saw smoke and fire coming from the second floor of the two-and-a-half-story building, fire officials said.

Kyi, who was found in the rubble suffering from serious injuries, was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Carpenter said school counselors are working closely with Kyi’s family to provide emotional and material support, in addition to helping students and staff process the young boy’s death.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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