Woman, child killed in N. Phila. house fire ID'd

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Family members have identified the woman and child killed in the house fire in North Philadelphia early Saturday morning.

The fire broke out just after midnight on the 1500 block of North 6th Street.

Found dead inside on the third floor were 69-year-old Gwendolyn Cofield known as "Ms. Gwen" and her great-grandson 5-year-old Lamar Anthony James, also known as "TJ."

"They found him in her arms and she was actually trying to get out," said Michael Hayward.

Cofield's youngest brother spoke to Action News about the loss of his sister and grand-nephew.

Seven of his family members were inside the home at the time of the fire, including little TJ's mom.

The home next door has smoke damage but everyone else was able to make it out safely.

While the Red Cross is assisting those impacted by the flames, the fire marshal is investigating the cause.

As for Cofield, she was a well known fixture in the neighborhood.

"She had a kind loving spirit about herself. Everyone in the neighborhood knew her," said Hayward.

The rest of Hayward's family remains in shock as they work to plan funerals for the family's youngest and their matriarch.

"We are a very strong knit family, always doing things together. My mother and father always raised us to be there for each other and we're here for each other now," he said.