Family remembers three children killed in Centralia house fire



CENTRALIA - A community is still in shock over the death of three children killed in a house fire. Tonight, people in Centralia are coming together to remember the young victims who were taken much too soon.

Jean Stier shared photos of her grandchildren, 12-year-old Ben, 10-year-old Madeline and 7-year-old Sam Tower.

“They were so loving and so wonderful and smart and bright and happy kids,” she says.

The three were killed early Friday morning, when fire broke out in their Centralia home. Stier says their mother tried to save them, but couldn’t get through the flames and smoke.

“Our hearts are just broken and ripped out of our chests right now at the loss of them, ” she said.

Since the fire, people have been stopping by the home to leave flowers and say prayers for the family.

“They were loving, kind, wonderful children and we loved each other very much,” says Karen Samaras, a friend of the family. “I know there's three new angels in heaven.”

The tragedy has touched even strangers in the Centralia community. Some have started collecting donations for the family at their businesses.

“I have two daughters and I can feel the pain, if it was me,” says David Ostrand of Shankz Black Light Mini Golf.

The family says they appreciate the support.

“The funds and all the things you're doing to help my daughter, are just miraculous,” says Stier. “I thank you all so much.”

The children may be gone. But friends and family say they’ll never be forgotten.

“They’ll always be in our hearts, they'll always be here with us.”

The children’s father, Brad Tower, posted this message on social media today: “What can you do for me? Celebrate your families. Give of yourself to your children. Yes, you have to make your way in this world and provide for them and guide them and correct them. But at every point where you have a choice to make, choose to take that moment to truly be with them. Make their lives the best that they can be. Not by giving them things, but by giving them the only truly scarce resource – your time on this earth.”