MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The father of Cameron Jett, the 8-year-old who was in the hospital following the Monday-morning fire on Severson Avenue, is getting ready to donate his organs.
The family said Cameron is still on life support at this time but is brain dead.
“I feel like there’s other people in the world or whatever…I donated his organs,” said Ernest Jett, Cameron’s father.
After days of heartbreak Jett said his son’s memory will live on and give another family hope.
Jett said he is fighting to remain strong after standing by his 8-year-old Cameron in the hospital since Monday morning.
“As far as his mind, you know his brain, you know it was over with, and I can’t allow him just to lay there like that,” he said.
As he said those painful words, there were balloons over his shoulder.
The balloons were part of a mounting memorial for other members of little Cameron’s family who died inside a home on Severson Avenue.
Besides the balloons and teddy bears, backpacks, books, and lunch boxes reminded us of the six other young lives who should’ve been at school this week.
Friends, family, and even strangers stood together on the South Memphis block Wednesday evening. They prayed and hugged after an unimaginable week.
“It’s just devastating. Heartbreaking,” said Trina Wright. Wright was one of the dozens who has been helping the family. She said seeing the support is inspiring.
“It’s heartwarming to see that people care,” she said.
Jett agreed. He said the love has been overwhelming and had a message for other parents.
“Ya’ll better show your kids some love man every day. Every minute, every second of the minute,” he said.
Six children and three adults died Monday from the fire. Eight-year-old Cameron Jett remained in critical condition in the hospital until Tuesday.
The fire started around 1:30 a.m. Monday at a house in the 1100 block of Severson Avenue in South Memphis. Firefighters said the cause was an electrical malfunction with a cord connected to an air conditioning unit.
The kids who died Monday are Precious Rose, 3; Kierra Jett, 5; Angel Mitchell, 16; Alonzo Ward, 6; Diamond Jett, 7; and Earnest Jett V, 9. Carol Collier, Lakesha Ward, and Eloise Futrell also died.