Prayer vigil for family who perished in fire

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - It was a solemn evening of prayer and reflection on the lives of a Gwinnett County mother and her two young daughters who were killed in a house fire earlier this week.

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A large crowd ranging from close friends to family to others simply touched by the tragedy gathered in front of the Patterson home on Pointer Ridge near Tucker for a prayer vigil. Young children, classmates of 12-year-old Kayla and 9-year-old Madeline at Nesbit Elementary, joined the crowd for a chance at healing and to say goodbye. Aubrey Cole, a close friend and neighbor, was among them. The 9-year-old released balloons as a symbol of the angels, her two friends, ascending to heaven.

The faith community of Tucker First United Methodist Church, where the family has been very active for years, was also represented in the crowd of mourners. Kathy Patterson was notably part of a group that helped minister and aid special needs adults. A spokesperson for that group called her a special gift.

Brett Patterson, the sole survivor of the deadly fire, addressed his neighbors, family, and friends. He thanked them for their continued prayers and support. He spoke of how loved his wife and two daughters were by all who knew them and called them the best family ever.

Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services ruled the fire to be accidental, but the investigation remains open into the cause. Brent Patterson said the fire spread so fast he had no time to rush into the flames upstairs to help save his family.

FOX 5's George Franco, during his report, admitted this particular story was personally hard for him to cover. He had previously lived on Pointer Ridge for several years and knew the Pattersons.

Funeral services for Kathy, Kayla and Madeline will be held Monday at the First United Methodist Church of Tucker.