School grieves loss of classmate who died in weekend fire
WEST ALLIS - Autopsies are being done today on two young victims who died in a fire that happened early Sunday morning at a duplex near 57th and Mitchell.
Flames ripped through the home, killing two 14-year-old boys and injuring two others. The survivors are at children's hospital, and counselors were at school helping classmates grieve.
Students started the day at West Milwaukee with counselors on hand after losing one of their own.
Eighth grader Isaiha Kobow was killed Sunday morning in a house fire near 57th and Mitchell. Flames tore through the home killing Kobow and his friend, 14-year-old Michael Gonzalez.
Gonzalez' two younger brothers remain hospitalized with burns.
"We have a lot of counselors here today,” said Principal Jeffrey Taylor. “We have a lot of support."
Principal Jeffrey Taylor said it's a tough time for the entire community.
“I was with Isaiha on Friday, and so it’s very shocking when you get a call like [this],” Taylor said. “It's kind of a numbing kind of thing."
Kobow played basketball, and is described as a good, humble kid.
"He'll be missed,” Taylor added. “We love him and we hate to see that something like this would happen."
Although the Gonzalez kids do not currently attend West Milwaukee Intermediate, Taylor is familiar with the family, and sends his condolences.
One of the survivors, Joel Gonzalez, attended the school until January, when he transferred. He's now recovering from serious burns and everyone is hoping for a full recovery. There is no word on the condition of Joel's four-year-old brother. Investigators are still determining the cause of the fire, but said it doesn't appear to be criminal.
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