Memorial held to honor siblings lost in Ohio house fire

ST. PAUL (KMSP) - Classmates of two young children, who were killed in a house fire while visiting their aunt in Ohio, held a memorial in their honor in St. Paul on Tuesday evening.

9-year-old Kathryn Foster and her 12-year-old brother Aaron were killed last Tuesday after the fast moving fire trapped them inside the Columbus, Ohio house.

On Tuesday night, counselors were on hand at the Cyber Village Academy in St. Paul, where Kathryn and Aaron attended school.  The students were divided into age groups to receive the most appropriate care. Parents will also be counseled on how to recognize if their child may need extra help, according to the school’s director, David Glick.

"[The siblings were] always smiling, they were super kids," said Glick. "Kathryn - just bouncing with energy all over the place. Aaron - I don’t think I saw him still very often, so lots of energy. They brought lots of smiles to the school, so we’re going to miss them an awful lot."

The children’s father is still in Ohio, but will soon be on his way home.  Brian Foster says he is grateful for the outpouring of support, but also says this is how he wants his children to be remembered.

“They were glorious children," said Foster. "They were full of life and light. They helped me, they helped their mom when we were down and out, they helped us every day. I want people to remember my kids as superstars.” 

There will be a public memorial service on July 1 in Irving Park in St. Paul at 11 a.m.

A GoFundMe account has been set up.