North Philadelphia neighborhood honors the life of 12-year-old boy who died in fire

At just 12-years-old, Omari Everett-Mitchell had a magnetic personality that captivated hearts.

"Omari was full of joy. He was my huggy bear," said his mother, Bianca Everett.

"A sweet soul and you couldn't just help but to love Omari," said Ashanti Attipoe. She is the founder of the non-profit Never Broke Again which organized the balloon release and memorial on Saturday afternoon.

Omari's family and friends gathered at the Johnson Homes in North Philadelphia to remember his bright spirit.

It's an unbearable loss for his mother, Bianca Everett, and his four siblings.

"I love him. I love him. I want my son back," cried Everett.

The Philadelphia Fire Department said Omari lost his life in a house fire on the 1900 block of North 25th Street on August 15th. It was caused by an electrical issue.

Omari was trapped on the second floor of his home. His two brothers were able to get out.

"There's no words to describe how we felt. I was here. I was here when they brought him out. It was unbelievable," said Attipoe.

"Losing a child is very tragic, so my heart goes out to the family," said Anthony Rivera who is the founder of Take Back Philly.

As the family continues to grieve, local and state leaders hope they feel the strength of the community lifting them up.

"I thought that we should come together as a Johnson Homes family and just celebrate the family, remember Omari," said State Representative Keith Harris (D-Pennsylvania).

"It takes a village," said Attipoe. "We are here to love on the family. Let them know you're not in this alone. We're in this together."

The Everett family also lost everything in the fire.

Monetary donations are being collected.

You can drop off clothing, food and toiletries at Representative Harris's office at 2835 West Girard Avenue or William Dick School.