"Open your heart to a hero:" Family of Kevin Little, who died after arson fire, needs your help
MILWAUKEE -- Ten-year-old Kevin Little saved the lives of five family members, only to lose his own after an arson fire near 36th and Silver Spring Drive. Little's cousin, two-year-old Tae'najah Morgan died one day after that fire. Little's family is hopeful you can help to lay this young boy to rest.
Kevin Little
"This is not my regular voice. My lungs are still messed up, but I'm here -- by the grace of my grandson," Sandie Rice said.
Rice is Kevin Little's grandmother. The 10-year-old boy saved her life, and the lives of four of his brothers and sisters on the night of October 20th.
"It was just the grace of God that he saved our lives. It was all because Kevin woke us up," Rice said.
Kevin Little and Tae'najah Morgan
After helping the others get up and out of the house, Little tried to save his two-year-old cousin Tae'najah.
"He always wanted to help," Areial Rice, Little's mother said.
A criminal complaint filed against Michael Morgan, who is charged in connection with this arson fire, says Little and Tae'najah Morgan were found in an upstairs room. When first responders found the two, the boy appeared "to be protecting Tae'najah by covering her with his body."
To honor Little's helpful spirit, his mother says she's making certain he continues to utilize every opportunity to contribute to others.
"I did donate, you know, his heart valves, and his eyes, skin graftings, so he still lives on. He's still saving lives," Areial Rice said.
Now, the family of a boy described as generous, and even a hero, is counting on the community's generosity as they struggle to rebuild their lives.
Kevin Little
"My whole house burned up, so it's still like -- a lot that my other four kids need, you know? As far as, like, clothing and anything, so we're still taking donations for that," Areial Rice said.
Meanwhile, the family is forced to cover funeral costs for the two young cousins who died after this fire.
"Every little bit helps. Every little bit. And, you know, no matter if it's a dollar -- it goes a long way," Areial Rice said.
Michael Morgan
"I would just say open up your heart to a hero," Sandie Rice said.
Michael Morgan is charged with arson of a building without the owner's consent. It is expected amended charges could come yet this week -- following the deaths of Kevin Little and Tae'najah Morgan.
Kevin Little's funeral is scheduled for Friday, November 13th at Milwaukee's Elim Tabernacle at 11:00 a.m.
The family of Kevin Little has created a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses. CLICK HERE to donate.