‘Unimaginable tragedy’: Memorial service planned for four sisters who died in North Carolina house fire

CHADBOURN, N.C. (WNCN) — A memorial service is planned for Tuesday for four little girls who died in a house fire in Columbus County near Chadbourn last weekend.

The girls who died — all sisters ages 2 to 7 — were Kalani Rae Melvin, Kendall Xaiya Melvin, Josephina Renee Melvin, and Sophia Nachelle Melvin, according to officials and their obituary.

No adults were home around 2:30 a.m. Saturday, August 30, when the deadly fire broke out, with two 11-year-old girls escaping the blaze that destroyed a North Colony Road home, Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman told CBS 17.

A 911 call summoned help, which arrived in just nine minutes — but there was little anyone could do as flames already engulfed the home, located about a mile north of Chadbourn.

“Due to the severity of the fire, it was not possible to make a safe entry into the home,” Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a news release.

An obituary for the girls said they were “bright lights who brought joy to everyone around them.”

As of Saturday, no charges have been filed in the case, which the sheriff and fire marshal called “an unimaginable tragedy.”

“They loved being outdoors, whether at the pool, the beach, or soaking up the sunshine, and their laughter filled every space with warmth,” the family wrote in the obituary. “Their days were happiest when singing, dancing, and sharing their favorite treats of strawberries and grapes.”

The family wrote about the girls in their obituary, noting each was unique.

“Each carried a special sparkle: Kalani loved sunsets, Kendall adored rainbows, Josie never turned down pizza, and Sophia’s favorite was watching Bluey,” their obituary said.

The family also noted how they all died so young.

“They loved their church, their friends, and their family deeply, and though their time here was far too short, their love and light will forever shine in the hearts of all who knew them,” the obituary said.

An online fundraiser that was started last week has stopped after apparently meeting its goal.

“Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and support,” Ansley Hayes and B. Tyler Grainger wrote.

Bill Rogers and Columbus County Fire Marshal Shannon Blackman issued a joint statement last week about the fire.

“Our community is facing an unimaginable tragedy. We ask that everyone join together in support of the family and loved ones affected by this devastating loss. The thoughts and prayers of our agencies are with them during this extremely difficult time,” the message from Rogers and Blackman said.

The memorial service is planned for Tuesday, September 9, at Worthington Funeral Home Chapel in Chadbourn.

Family members will speak to friends following the service, the obituary said.