Vigil Upcoming For Quakertown Family Killed In Christmas Fire

QUAKERTOWN, PA — After a deadly fire claimed the lives of a father and his two sons on Christmas morning in Quakertown, community members will gather to hold a vigil and walk in their memory.

"Please join us as we walk in honor and remembrance of #KingBoys Eric, Liam, and Patrick," a flier for the event reads. "We will have a short performance at the Univest Performance Center Stage followed by a walk through the sports complex."

The King family was asleep when a fire broke out around 1:30 a.m., in a blaze police believe may have begun with the lights on their Christmas tree. Kristin and Brady King were able to escape from the home, but Eric, Liam, and Patrick were not.

The Kings' death has reportedly been ruled accidental, with the cause of death being smoke and soot inhalation and thermal burns.

The tragedy quickly garnered national attention. Though a GoFundMe for the family was shut down after the family friend who started it received rude messages and others started scams, the fund had already raised $608,770. A GoFundMe 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, in which the King family is heavily involved, wrote online. "The outpouring of support for the King family has been remarkable. Please consider donating to both families affected by todays tragic fire."

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

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