Hundreds mourn beloved Rogers Park family of 4 killed in townhome fire

Fatal Fire Hundreds mourn beloved Rogers Park family of 4 killed in townhome fire Hundreds gathered Saturday to mourn a beloved Chicago family of four killed in a townhome fire Thursday on North Paulina Avenue in Rogers Park. By Gabe Ferris Sunday, November 8, 2026 4:23AM Share CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Rogers Park community continued to mourn on Saturday as hundreds gathered for a vigil to remember four family members who died in a fire Thursday . The fire broke out in a townhome in the 7000-block of North Paulina Avenue around 4:15 a.m. Thursday, Chicago Fire Department officials said. ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch "It's a family that's very known in the community," mourner Mache Sanchez said. Sanchez, who lives across the street from the townhome that burned, knew of those who died. The victims are 69-year-old Maria Jimenez de Garcia, her daughter, 48-year-old Mariza Garcia Jimenez, and her two sons, 24-year-old Francisco Vallejo and 13-year-old Valentino Vallejo. "I saw them a couple of times and also know people that were close to them," Sanchez said. Valentino's former teacher remembers him for his personality. Aurora woman among 2 licensed skydivers killed in California after parachutes became entangled 1 hour ago Man charged with kidnapping, battery that led to Chicago police pursuit, crash, Palatine police say 'Doing what's right': Welch speaks after deciding not to seek another term as Illinois House speaker 28 minutes ago "Kindest, gentlest soul you'd ever meet," Kathy Schaper said. "Tino was the type of kiddo that if you asked him to do something, he'd do it." The community has rallied behind the family. A GoFundMe page has raised more than $100,000, with donations continuing to come in. "Thank you [ to ] everyone that donated. We've been blessed beyond words," one of Mariza Garcia Jimenez's sisters said on Saturday. SEE MORE | Victim's sisters speak out after deadly Rogers Park fire kills family of 4: 'A tragic loss' "We are all grieving, and we wish we could save a little piece of something of each and every one of our family [ members ] ," another sister said.on Friday. Loved ones are asking for time to grieve. They said a mass and burial will come later. "It's so important, you know, in a big city like this to have that community," Schaper said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics ROGERS PARK CHICAGO FATAL FIRE BUILDING FIRE FIRE DEADLY FIRE Victim's sisters speak out after North Side fire kills family of 4 Family of 4 killed in townhome fire on North Side: Chicago police 6 dead, several injured in Brooklyn house fire Gov. says execution will go ahead against man who killed 2 kids Watch Live ON NOW Chicago-area woman among 2 licensed skydivers killed in California 1 hour ago Suburban man charged with kidnapping, battery leading to Chicago chase IL House speaker speaks out after deciding not to seek another term 28 minutes ago CTA train collides with vehicle on West Side: officials 21 minutes ago NYC Dept. of Education employee charged in stabbing death of jogger UFC's Dana White, Trump to meet over White House press secretary offer 3 hours ago Contract ratified to end Chicago parking attendant strike Smash-and-grab thieves target at least 5 North Side businesses: VIDEO