BELL COUNTY, Ky. — A 10-year-old Bell County middle school student has died, according to the Middlesboro Independent Schools.
Mark Smolick passed away in a house fire on Sunday, Nov. 13, MIS said. Counselors and social workers are available for staff and students. Shiloh Church, the church that Smolick's family attended, has started a GoFundMe fundraiser for his family.
"The outpouring really means a lot to the family right now," Pastor David King said.
Jesse Simpson said she was one of the first people to call 911 when flames started burning in the home. By the time the fire department arrived, he said the flames were too high to go inside. He is a neighbor and family friend.
"It was just so tragic, everybody running and crying and I just brought the young girl in and prayed for the mother and daughter both, because they couldn't find Mark," he said.
He was the only person unaccounted for. Alfredia Simpson, another neighbor and family friend, said that he was known in the neighborhood for his upbeat personality.
"It's just a tragic situation," she said. "They are precious. Mark and his whole family is precious."
King said that Shiloh Church is helping the family find shelter, and they are in the process of finding permanent housing for them. He also said that Mark was a light and a joy to be around.
"A lot of times, when this horrible type of thing happens, we can ask the question, 'Where is God in this?' And I believe we find God in the generosity of the people who are willing to go out and help in times like this, when people need it the most," he said.
If you would like to donate, you can find the GoFundMe fundraiser here.
His obituary describes him as a child who loved playing football and cherished his friendships with his teammates. It also said he had a deep relationship with his "Poppop," Tom Manis, who taught him how to ride a bike and showed him how to work on the house.
A public memorial service will be held on Monday, November 21 at 1 p.m. in the Middlesboro Schools Central Auditorium and Fine Arts Center.