HERMON, Maine — A 9-year-old boy who died when fire swept through a mobile home on Tuesday morning was remembered as a child who loved his family, who had a fascination with the nature surrounding him and who embraced his Native American heritage.
Department of Public Safety spokesman Stephen McCausland said Wyatt Parker’s body was found by firefighters in the living room of the home at 292 Wing Road.
Parker had spent the night at the residence with his cousins Ashlyn Parker, 10, and John Parker, 8, according to McCausland. The homeowners, John Parker and Lacey Reidy, had left the children alone after they got up to go run errands.
Eight-year-old John Parker escaped the residence and was able to flag down passing motorists, who called 911, McCausland said.
Wyatt Parker’s body was found in the living room while Ashlyn Parker was rescued from her bedroom by firefighters, according to McCausland.
Ashlyn Parker was listed in critical condition after the fire, but her status improved later in the day, according to McCausland. She is being treated for smoke inhalation, he said.
The fire was reported about 7:15 a.m., Hermon Assistant Chief Eric Pelletier said. Heavy smoke was billowing from the home when firefighters arrived, and crews were able to contain the blaze in about 20 minutes.
There were smoke alarms in the home, but it was not clear whether they were functional, Sgt. Tim York of the state fire marshal’s office said Tuesday afternoon. That office’s investigation into the cause of the fire will extend into Wednesday, according to McCausland.
Officials believe the fire started in the kitchen. This is at least the ninth fire-related death in Maine so far this year, according to Bangor Daily News archives.
Firefighters from Hermon, Levant, Carmel, Glenburn, Bangor and Hampden and a tanker truck from the Air National Guard went to the fire. Some family pets were saved, including a dog that received oxygen from firefighters.
RSU 87 Superintendent John Backus said early Tuesday afternoon that Wyatt Parker had just finished fourth grade at Carmel Elementary School and would have started his first year at Caravel Middle School in the fall.
“Wyatt was a very nice young man and well liked by teachers and staff,” Backus said.
Backus and other school and district staff met at Carmel Elementary School Tuesday afternoon after hearing news of the fire and Parker’s death.
Those who gathered remembered the 9-year-old with fondness.
“I’ll tell you what, he could sure spin a story. He had a very vivid imagination,” said Cheryl Johnson, Parker’s fourth-grade classroom teacher. She also was the boy’s tutor the previous summer.
“He was very likeable. He loved to talk to adults. He had recently discovered the joys of books and reading,” Johnson said. She recalled his excitement about a year-end book giveaway held at the school.
“He was grabbing as many as he could tote,” Johnson said.
“I think that one of the things he loved most, aside from his family, was his native heritage,” she said. “He just adored being outside, fishing, just walking around, exploring. Even if it was a rock or a twig that was unusual, he’d always make sure to come back and tell us about that.
“I guess I would add that Wyatt really endeared himself to several key teachers in this school, and this news was very difficult,” Johnson said.
“He had a very sweet spirit, loved his younger siblings,” added Carmel Elementary School Principal Cindy Devlin.
Sandy Ward, an elementary level social worker for the Carmel-area school district, noted Tuesday that children often have difficulty dealing with death. Ward recommends that parents provide routine for their children, validate their feelings, reassure them of their own safety and give them time to express how they feel.
“I think many kids will need that reassurance of their safety,” she said.
The educators also said parents should watch for any unusual, out-of-the ordinary behavior, such as changes in their sleeping, eating and toilet habits.
Should such changes occur, parents are encouraged to seek help, which is available from the school district, clergy and other local resources, including Pathfinders, a Bangor-area organization that provides support for grieving children and their families.
Backus said a school counselor and social worker will be at Carmel Elementary School from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday to help any parents, children or families who need to talk. Those who wish will have an opportunity to write messages to Wyatt’s family and share memories.
Additional support may be made available as needed.
Backus said the school has notified all staff members and the larger community of the tragic event.
The school also plans to reach out to the Parker family.
Bangor Daily News writers Nick McCrea and Dawn Gagnon contributed to this report.
