2,000 Expected To Attend Vigil For Quakertown Fire Victims

QUAKERTOWN, PA — A ceremony to honor Eric, Liam, and Patrick King, who died tragically during a Christmas morning fire in their home, will take place Wednesday. At least 10 speakers will pay homage to the family, and more than 2,000 people expected to attend.

The vigil at Univest Performance Center was coordinated by the Quakertown Youth Baseball Association, Quakertown Borough, local business owners and other organizations, and community members.

Following the ceremony, attendees will walk together through the sports complex, where Eric was a beloved coach and his sons spent many hours playing the sports they loved with their friends.

Speakers will include:

• Father Ken, Priest, St. Isidore’s Catholic Church
• Michael Bianco, President, Quakertown Youth Baseball Association
• Jake Kessler, President, Quakertown Midget Football Association
• Quakertown High School Varsity Singers
• Nicole Zuerblis, Principal, Richland Elementary
• Steve Lambing, on behalf of Ron Watson, Friend of Eric King
• Charlie King, Brother of Eric King
• Luke Melchior, Friend of Patrick King
• Sarah Thiel, Sister of Eric King
• Victoria Sedicum, Singer

After the tragedy, people at home and nationally rallied for the victims of the Essex Court fire.

Though a GoFundMe for survivors Kristin and Brady King was shut down after the family friend who started it received rude messages and others started scams, the fund had already raised $608,770.

"Our Trust & Safety team is working closely with the fundraiser organizer to ensure funds safely reach the King family," a GoFundMe spokesperson told Patch. "Our team is also monitoring the platform for any fundraisers created to support the King family and will remove any fundraisers without a clear connection to the family."

A fundraiser for neighbors whose home was rendered uninhabitable in the blaze has raised $33,207.

"Words cannot express this unimaginable loss for our community," the Quakertown Youth Baseball Association wrote online. "The outpouring of support for the King family has been remarkable."

The vigil for the Kings will take place Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 301 W Mill St. Attendees are asked not to bring candles, as glow sticks will be provided while supplies last.

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