Community rallies behind family who lost infant & teen in Ridgeland house fire

by Madalyn Bierster, Aaron Dixon

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, along with Fire Rescue, responded to a Friday structure fire in Ridgeland that claimed the lives of 2 people.

Emergency personnel responded to the 700 block of Midway Circle for that fire. Several agencies from the state, including Hardeeville, Jasper County, and Bluffton first responders all showed up to fight the blaze.

The family says a fire broke out in the home around 5 a.m., and the home is a total loss.

The Jasper County Fire Chief confirms 2 people have died and three others are injured, with varying degrees of injury.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The family has identified them as a teenager and an infant.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The family has identified the victims as a teenager and an infant.

Fundraiser by Emmanuel Lopez Sanchez: Support the Martinez-Perez Family After Tragedy.

“The Martinez-Perez family is loved around the Bluffton community, where they dedicate their service to St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church. They were a happy family of 5...” the family shared on their GoFundMe.

Here's the GoFundMe the Martinez-Perez has put up to help lay their loved ones to rest.

The GoFundMe continued, ‘The mother, 41-year-old Suly Perez, is a loving and caring person who keeps going even in adversity. She was the head of the household, taking care of her three kids and a grandkid.’

Her kids are 16-year-old Joshua Martinez, 17-year-old Fernanda Martinez, 15-year-old Suleyni Martinez, and her loving granddaughter, 1-year-old Francisca Martinez.

Sadly, her son Joshua Martinez and granddaughter Francisca Martinez did not make it out of the housefire.

One of the victims of that housefire, 16-year-old Joshua Martinez

Her eldest daughter, Fernanda, sustained major burns and injuries throughout her whole body and is currently recovering in the hospital, where she is in the ICU.

“To our family, friends, and community, we are asking for any type of financial support, and any amount counts and is thanked. We want to raise money for the funeral procession and anything that might be needed to overcome this tragedy. We thank you for your generous donations.
Thank you, and God bless you all."
The Martinez-Perez Family

The investigation wrapped up the same day, but it will take some time before a cause can be determined, fire officials say.

We will provide any updates as we can.