WASHINGTON — An early fire that ripped through a Prince George’s County home Tuesday claimed the lives of a Colorado State University basketball player’s parents, as well as his sister’s young twins, the Coloradoan reports.
Emmanuel Omogbo’s parents, 63-year-old Samson Omogbo and 55-year-old Caroline Omogbo were pulled from the burning home in Chillum, Maryland around 2 a.m. They died at the scene, according to Prince George’s County Police Chief Marc Bashoor.
Emmanuel’s two-year-old niece and nephew, Anna and Israel Omijie, also were pulled from the home by firefighters and taken to a hospital where they later died.
“This is absolutely heartbreaking for Emmanuel, his family and for all of us that know him,” Colorado State University Coach Larry Eustachy said in a statement issued by the school.
“There are no words to describe how it felt to hear this terrible news earlier today. They were a beautiful family that I enjoyed getting to know. The entire Colorado State men’s basketball team, athletic program and university will be there to support and help Emmanuel in any way we can through this incredibly tough time in his life.”
The twins’ mother, Emmanuel’s sister, jumped from a second-story window to escape the fire and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. Two other people escaped the home safely.
Bashoor said there was no evidence of smoke detectors in the home, which the family was renting. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but he said there was no evidence of anything suspicious.
Emmanuel Omogbo has not publicly commented on the tragedy, but he did post to his Twitter page.
I know you still here with me. Rest up pops, Ma, Anna, and my lil boy. Don’t forget what yu left behind. Love you
— IG: Eomogbo_15 (@longmoney_e) January 19, 2016
Omogbo, a 6-foot-8 forward who was born in Nigeria and grew up in Hyattsville, Maryland, has started all 18 games and is averaging 11.4 points and 7.4 rebounds a game in his first season at CSU, according to the Coloradoan.
