‘Kyi has a heart of gold’: Mother of 6-year-old boy killed in Cape Cod fire speaks out

A fatal fire killed a 6-year-old Massachusetts boy over the weekend. The fire broke out on Saturday night when the temperatures were well below zero.

Shantal Thomas tries to describe the love of her life, her 6-year-old son Kyi Odeen Bourne, killed in the Saturday night fire in Orleans. “Kyi has a heart of gold. Kyi loved, loved everybody. Kyi would walk into a room and light up the world,” said Thomas. “He was also autistic but you couldn’t tell.”

Fire investigators say Kyi was found on the second floor moments after they arrived. Orleans Fire Chief Geof Deering says everyone else was able to get out of the home after the fire started.

“Very challenging, very chaotic scene,” said Deering. “Within about ten minutes the child was located immediately transported to the hospital and where subsequently unfortunately he passed away.”

Kyi was a student at Harwich Elementary school where his 8-year-old sister also attends. The School Superintendent wrote in a statement,

“Kyi will be deeply missed by all. Our school counselors are working closely with the family to provide emotional and material support, and our counseling team is also working with students and staff to process this loss. We know that our school community also wants to help in any way possible.”

Shantal says she is getting a lot of support from the community after posting a GoFundMe.  “Kyi wouldn’t want me to sit down and mourn and not do anything. He would tell me Mommy I love you. I would say I love you too,” said Thomas.

The state fire marshal says they are still trying to pinpoint the exact cause of the fire.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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