Service conducted for two Detroit children who perished in cold, as family receives housing assurance

Detroit officials announced that a community organization is ready to assist the surviving family members of two children who tragically lost their lives in a freezing van parked at a casino garage. This intervention came in the wake of the heartbreaking incident that occurred on February 10, claiming the lives of Darnell Currie Jr., 9, and A’millah Currie, 2. The siblings were part of a group of five children and two adults trapped in a van that failed to provide warmth as icy conditions swept through the area.

A funeral service was held on Thursday for the young victims, where attendees were deeply affected by the loss. Jessica Wiggins, a visitor at the funeral home, shared her emotional reaction, stating, “It makes you want to break down because that could have been your child. That could have been anybody else’s child.”

Authorities reported that the family had been living in the van for several months. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan revealed that the children’s mother had reached out to a housing hotline back in November; however, it appears her request went unfulfilled. He has since ordered a review of the city’s interactions with the family to clarify the situation.

In light of this tragedy, Deputy Mayor Melia Howard announced that a local organization has committed to covering rent for the family for a full year to help them secure stable housing. During her emotional address at the funeral home, she emphasized the importance of ongoing support for the family, stating, “It’s just important for me to let them know that we’re not just here for today. We’re going to be with them as long as they need us.”