9-year-old boy dies following Tempe duplex fire near Curry Road and McClintock Drive

TEMPE, Ariz. - A 9-nine-year old boy died following a large fire that burned through a duplex, says the Tempe Fire Department on Wednesday.

The fire broke out near Curry Road and McClintock Drive around 2 p.m. When crews arrived, heavy smoke and fire was coming out from the homes.

The child was rushed to the hospital where he died from unspecified injuries. The family identified him as Jesus Garcia.

It's not known what caused the fire.

Crews from Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa and Phoenix assisted in the battle against the fire.

"It was a second alarm fire ... it took a tremendous amount of effort to help with this firefight," said Andrea Glass with Tempe Fire.

Thoughts and prayers pour in for Jesus

"Our thoughts are with the family during this time of extreme loss and we ask you respect them in their time of grief," says Officer Allyson Roy with Tempe Police.

Hours after the fire, loved ones brought flowers and candles to remember Garcia at the place where he lost his life.

Another vigil is set for 8:00 p.m. on April 29.

Family members remember boy

We spoke with the victim's aunt on April 29, who said the whole family is devastated.

"All I can say about yesterday is it was tragic," said Gloria Martinez.

Family members say Jesus was home by himself Wednesday afternoon and he had just finished up his online school work. Martinez says he was watching some videos at the time of the fire.

"His mom left the phone there with him. He had the headset on him," said Martinez.

Martinez remembers her nephew as a kind boy who loved his pet parakeet, and she says that he will be very missed.

"He was very, very excited to have a journey with his little bird. he was very loveable. Very loveable kid," said Martinez.

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