Aalijah and Annie Isom: Toddler and her 7-year-old sister killed as Christmas tree catches fire in California home

BASTROW, CALIFORNIA: A family in Southern California is marking their first Christmas without two young "cherished angels", who tragically perished in a fire ignited by a Christmas tree.

Charmon and Akeem Isom recounted their efforts to save their family before the arrival of firefighters, but unfortunately, 2-year-old Aalijah Isom and 7-year-old Annie Isom were unable to escape the tragedy.

Shortly after the tragedy, the family initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe, detailing the situation and seeking funds for the funeral rites of their children, as per Fox News.

Firefighters respond to house fire in California

Barstow firefighters responded to the incident shortly before 7 pm on December 14, following numerous reports of a house fire with children trapped inside, as indicated in a social media post by the department.

Firefighters had to enter through two separate bedroom windows to locate the girls.

Once found, they were handed off to police officers who swiftly transported them to waiting ambulances, according to the Barstow Fire Protection District. The girls were then rushed to a local hospital.

The family shared the heartbreaking news that they first lost Aalijah. Subsequently, Annie was airlifted to a burn center and placed on life support.

However, after a week-long battle, her parents made the difficult decision to let her go, and she died. Following her death, the 7-year-old's organs were donated.

A vigil was organized for the girls on Saturday, during which their father expressed, "There's no amount of money, there's no amount of valuables that can bring back my children."

Charmon Isom raises $15K fund on GoFundMe

The Isom family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds, detailing the tragic events surrounding the Christmas fire. “A Tragedy Unfolds: A Heartrending Plea for Her, Within our home, Charmon and Akeem Isom, parents of six beautiful children, found ourselves in the grip of an unthinkable nightmare."

They added, "A relentless fire, stole away the lives of our two cherished angels—Aalijah, a tender 2-year-old baby girl, and Little Annie, a vibrant 7-year-old."

They shared about the response of firefighters, "The timely response of the fire department was a beacon of hope, swiftly assisting in rescuing Aalijah and Little Annie from the fire. In the wake of this devastating tragedy, we seek your collective compassion and financial support to rebuild our lives from the ground up.”

They outlined the purpose of the funds, emphasizing their necessity to cover the funeral expenses for their two beloved angels. “The funds raised will play a crucial role in covering funeral expenses for our two angels, securing a new home, and providing essential clothing and sustenance,” the family wrote on GoFundMe.

Additionally, the family expressed the strong bonds that tie them together, highlighting the love among the six siblings saying, “Our family's bond was a tapestry of love, inseparable and woven with unconditional affection. We, Charmon and Akeem, held an unyielding love for each of our six beautiful children. The brothers and sisters were incredibly close, sharing a deep affection for one another."

They added, "Baby Aalijah, the youngest and the heart of the family, was a joyful, beautiful baby girl. Her older siblings watched over her, played with her, and created cherished memories of fun-filled days.”

They also shared insights into the nature of one of the victims, “Little Annie, a vivacious spirit, had an affinity for TikTok, adding a touch of joy and laughter to their lives. Our community's strength lies in its ability to come together in times of need.”

They concluded, “Let us join hands to lift our family from the depths of despair, offering us a chance to rebuild and find solace amidst the ruins. If you would like to donate clothing and other household necessities, you can send to 940 Navajo St., Barstow, CA 92311. Extend Your Hand of Compassion - Support the Isom Family Now!”

As of the current update, the campaign has garnered over $15,000 of its $20,000 goal.