PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The two children who were badly injured in a devastating Portsmouth fire over the weekend have succumbed to their injuries, officials announced Wednesday.
The children, 4-year-old Lamar White Jr. and 2-year-old Ellay White were rushed to a hospital, where they ultimately died.
The children's mother, 37-year-old Aria Williams, also died following Friday's blaze.
"We express our deepest sympathies and prayers for their family and the Portsmouth community," the Portsmouth Fire Rescue said in a release.
Devastating Portsmouth duplex fire
The fire broke out at a duplex on Neville Street, between Manteo and Shelby Streets, just before 9:45 p.m. Friday.
Neighbors at the time told 13News Now that Williams fought to save her newborn baby and two other children.
Fire officials said two other adults managed to escape through a window before they arrived, but the mother and two children were trapped inside.
The three adults and three children were all rushed to the hospital, where Williams and two of her children ultimately succumbed to their injuries. There's no word on the condition of the other two adults and child impacted by the blaze.
The Portsmouth Fire Marshal's Office confirmed a candle near window curtains ignited the fire, adding that the home's smoke detectors were not working.
On Wednesday, neighbors were at a loss for words following the tragedy.
"It's just devastating. I just hope and pray to God that this doesn't happen to other [people] because it's really something that you feel the chills about," said neighbor Gloria Gibbs.
Meanwhile, a neighbor who lives a few houses away from the home said she knew Williams and her two children. She said the two children celebrated her daughter's birthday at her home.
"It's sad. It's sad because all you saw her with was her kids," said the neighbor.
Currently, a note is posted outside of Williams' home. It said that the world needs more people like her.
In the meantime, as the community grapples with this tragedy, Mayor Shannon Glover has a message for the family.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time and we will be there for them as a city to help them through this difficult time," said Mayor Glover.
The Williams family is collecting donations on GoFundMe.