The family of a 14-year-old boy who died over the weekend after being rescued from a burning home in Jurupa Valley will be holding a vigil for him later this month.
The fire, reported on Thursday, Dec. 5, just before 2 a.m. destroyed a one-story house near the area of Canal Street and Pacific Avenue.
Firefighters pulled the teenager from the home with severe burns and smoke inhalation before he was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
A family member identified the teen as Zakaria Diaz, a student at Central Middle School in Riverside.
The school’s principal also confirmed Zakaria’s death in a statement to the community that was shared with KTLA.
“It is with profound sadness that we must inform you of the passing of a Central Middle School student. Eighth grader, Zakaria Diaz, died on Saturday, December 7 after being injured in a house fire in Jurupa Valley,” a portion of the statement read.
The principal went on to describe Zakaria as “a profoundly kind student who enjoyed all aspects of school life. As a 7th grader, he played in the Intermediate Band and his bandmates from last year are still his closest friends. As one of the tallest students at Central, you should see him above all the other kids but he was truly a gentle giant with a quick smile and an easy laugh.”
The vigil for Zakaria will be held at 6091 Mission Boulevard at 1 p.m. on Dec. 20.
