Community holds vigil for third child killed in downtown fire accident

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Friends and family of the three sisters killed in a downtown fire accident are reconnecting with their Indigenous heritage.

“Dancing…it helps bring comfort to everyone. For us. Maybe the babies,” said Alyesse Walker, a family friend.

On Tuesday evening, family and friends mourned the loss of another child who died in a fiery crash in downtown Omaha on Friday. Omaha police confirmed Tuesday that a third child, just 1 year old, died Tuesday morning as a result of severe burns. A 70-year-old man – Michael Sales – also died in the accident.

They find community in the face of tragedy.

“There are just a lot of mixed emotions. A lot of sadness. “A lot of trouble,” Walker said.

Three sisters, Amia, Amiliana and Amila, were sitting in a car; all three are now dead.

This comes after police said the children's mother hit another car while speeding in the early hours of Friday morning.

“We express our condolences to the family. Also towards the other victim. We’ve been down here for a few days and we always make sure to say a prayer to the other family,” Walker said.

The children's ages were five, one and eleven days.

“It just makes you realize that tomorrow is never promised. This will allow you to hug your babies tighter,” Walker said.

Gone.

“I just want them to know how loved they are.”

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