Type to search

Stable – 5-year-old fire victim in coma

Avondale Estates

Stable – 5-year-old fire victim in coma

Someone left bouquet of flowers in front of a tree next to an Avondale Estates house that burned on April 12. Photo by: Dan Whisenhunt
Share
Someone left bouquet of flowers in front of a tree next to an Avondale Estates house that burned on April 12. Photo by: Dan Whisenhunt

Someone left bouquet of flowers in front of a tree next to an Avondale Estates house that burned on April 12. Photo by: Dan Whisenhunt

A 5-year-old boy who was badly burned in a fatal fire in Avondale Estates over the weekend has been updated from critical to stable condition.

The fire took the lives of Tami Willadsen, 43, and her daughter Jess Willadsen, 10. The fire left her son Jack, 5, in critical condition at Grady Hospital. The father, Dave, received minor injuries.

According to Sharonda Frazier, who organized a Go Fund Me account for the family, Jack’s condition has improved.

“Many donors have asked about the status of Jack. He is in stable condition in the burn unit at a local hospital. He is currently in a medically induced coma because of the extent of his injuries,” Frazier wrote. “Please keep him in your thoughts/prayers/meditations during this recovery journey.”

As of April 15, the Go Fund Me account had raised nearly $57,000 for the family.

Frazier talked about how the money will be disbursed.

“Please be aware that contact has been made with the city Communications Director and we are assembling an appropriate group to ensure that the funds are held and distributed in the most thoughtful and appropriate manner possible,” Frazier wrote. “Our goal is to ensure the fiscal responsibility of everyone’s generosity. We appreciate your continuing support during this difficult time.”

There is still no word on what caused the fire. Tami Willadsen was known in the community for her philanthropy. She was she was chairwoman of the board for EarthShare of Georgia, President of the Museum School Foundation and in November was named Director of Philanthropy at The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. She led the Museum School’s capital campaign.

On Monday, The Museum School made grief counselors available to students and set up a support room for both students and parents. The city of Avondale Estates also changed plans for the city’s Easter celebrations in response to the tragedy.