Fundraiser held for family of 7-year-old killed in Dunn fireworks fire
Dunn rallies around family after deadly fireworks fire
A fundraiser was held Sunday to support the family of 7-year-old Cashmere Parker, who was killed in a fire at a Dunn apartment complex on the Fourth of July.
The fire happened just before 11 p.m. at the Ashebrooke Apartments on East Pope Street. Cashmere was inside the apartment with his family when a fire sparked by illegal fireworks spread through the complex.
Authorities said the fireworks were set off nearby and went out of control, igniting the blaze that killed the child and displaced dozens of residents.
On Sunday, Pizza Inn in Dunn hosted a fundraiser to help Cashmere's family as they continue to cope with the tragedy.
Cashmere's mother, Gloria Parker, said she has been overwhelmed by the support from the community.
"It just showed me that my baby was loved," Parker said. "Y'all pulled together, y'all came in for me, y'all supported me and I really, really thank you for that."
Cashmere's stepfather was also injured in the fire.
Family members, friends and community members gathered Saturday night for a balloon release in Cashmere's memory.
Cashmere's mother remembered her son as an "angel" while speaking through her grief.
"I raised an angel. I raised an angel," she said. "So my heart is hurt he's not here no more, but God gonna make it all right. He gonna make it all right. I know He is."
Dunn police have charged neighbor Brittany Armstrong with involuntary manslaughter in connection with Cashmere's death. Authorities say the fire was caused by illegal fireworks.
The investigation remains ongoing.
