Family of young fire victim speaks out

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - It was also a somber day for a Niagara Falls community rocked by the death of a young boy.

Anne Pierce, the victim's grandmother said, "He said I love you grandma."

Those were the last words Pierce heard her grandson say.

Patrick Collura was just eight years young when he died in a vacant house fire in Niagara Falls on Friday.

"My grandson is gone and I can't even see him one more time," added Pierce.

Loved ones say Patrick always had this big smile on his face and they can't believe he's really gone.

The community is also shocked.

On Saturday people left stuffed animals, flowers and notes at the house on 19th street where Patrick died.

Right now police are still trying to figure out exactly how this all happened but the one thing that is clear is that a young life was cut short.

Pierce said, "Patrick was a very loving little boy."

Sandra Smith, a close family friend said, "He just loved to play. Him and my grandson used to run up and down the street play ball."

James Alfieri says Patrick is not his son by blood but is in his heart.

Alfieri said, "I raised him. I loved him. He had a long life ahead of himself and he had a lot of goals."

Sandy says Patrick's two brothers keep asking where he is.

Pierce said, "I keep trying to tell them, we all keep trying to tell them, that he's an angel now and he's not coming home."