Introduction to the Tragedy
Ildefonso Escamilla took pride in showing support for community members around him whenever they lost a loved one in their life. Now, community members are doing their part to be there for Escamilla’s family after the 35-year-old and two of his sons, 8-year-old Sebastian Escamilla and 7-year-old Danny Escamilla, were killed in a fire early Thursday at their West Ridge apartment.
The Fire and Its Aftermath
The fire erupted around 1:50 a.m. Thursday in the 7000 block of North Rockwell Street, authorities said. Escamilla and the two boys were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other family members — including his wife, 17-year-old daughter, and 1-year-old son — were also injured after jumping from a third-story window when the fire erupted. The building had only a few windows left intact. The higher floors were badly scorched, and through the windows, the sky was visible where the roof should have been.
Community Response
As of Monday afternoon, over $31,500 has been raised to help Escamilla’s family as they navigated the loss of three relatives. “It shows us how much of an impact [Escamilla] actually left,” Kevin Aguilar, Escamilla’s 20-year-old nephew, said. “We’re very grateful.” More than 100 personnel, including firefighters, emergency medical services, and police officers, responded to the blaze that began in the rear of the four-story apartment building, Chicago police and the fire department officials said.
The Victims
Escamilla’s wife jumped from their third-story apartment with their 1-year-old son in her arms and was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, where she was in critical condition. She broke her leg, arm, and multiple ribs, injured her thigh bone, and dislocated her shoulder, according to Aguilar. She underwent one surgery and is scheduled for another as her condition improves, though it’s unknown how long she’ll be hospitalized. The 1-year-old boy was taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital with scratches and lung damage and was released Sunday, family said. The 17-year-old daughter also suffered lung damage from smoke inhalation and was taken to Lurie, where she was released Saturday.
Remembering Ildefonso Escamilla
Ildefonso Escamilla was described as a “dedicated pillar of our family” and “a hardworking father who always pushed forward no matter what and also who loved his wife and children deeply.” Escamilla was passionate about cooking and worked in restaurants for 15 years. He was working toward opening up his own taco truck after a prior truck he owned in 2021 went out of business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “He always found a way to keep pushing. That’s what he would’ve wanted for everybody,” Aguilar said. “He always helped everybody when they were in their worst.”
Remembering the Sons
Danny and Sebastian loved playing soccer, and the sport “brought immeasurable joy and light to our lives, especially to their young cousins.” “They were always just laughing,” Aguilar said of the boys. “They were always making everybody laugh.” Aguilar and his relatives have been spending more time together as they try to navigate the tragedy. “[We’ve been] appreciating each other more and just realizing that life is a gift,” Aguilar said.
Investigation and Support
The cause and origin of the fire were still under investigation. As the community comes together to support the Escamilla family, they are reminded of the importance of appreciating life and the impact one person can have on those around them.
Conclusion
The tragic loss of Ildefonso Escamilla and his two sons has sent shockwaves through the community, but in the face of tragedy, the community has come together to show support and solidarity. The outpouring of donations and well-wishes is a testament to the impact Escamilla had on those around him. As the family navigates this difficult time, they are not alone, and the community’s response is a reminder of the power of human connection and support.
FAQs
- Q: What happened to Ildefonso Escamilla and his family?
A: Ildefonso Escamilla, 35, and his two sons, 8-year-old Sebastian Escamilla and 7-year-old Danny Escamilla, were killed in a fire at their West Ridge apartment. His wife, 17-year-old daughter, and 1-year-old son were injured. - Q: How has the community responded to the tragedy?
A: The community has come together to support the Escamilla family, with over $31,500 raised to help them navigate their loss. - Q: What was Ildefonso Escamilla like?
A: Ildefonso Escamilla was described as a dedicated pillar of his family, a hardworking father who loved his wife and children deeply, and was passionate about cooking. - Q: What is the current status of the investigation into the fire?
A: The cause and origin of the fire were still under investigation.
