6-Year-Old Girl Killed in Staten Island House Fire on New Year’s Day: 'Immense Loss'

Authorities have identified the victim as 6-year-old Rory Decristoforo

A house fire in Staten Island on New Year's Day claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl, according to authorities.

In an email to PEOPLE, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) said the blaze began Monday around 5:38 p.m. local time and was under control about an hour later. About 60 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene, the department added.

The New York City Police Department (NYPD), who identified the victim as Rory Decristoforo, said the child was taken to Richmond University Medical Center where she was pronounced dead, per The New York Times.

Division 8 Deputy Chief Gregg Hansson told the Staten Island Advance that the blaze originated in a bedroom on the second floor.

Related: Father Was Out Christmas Shopping When House Fire Killed 5 Kids, Police Say

"It really happened really quick,” said Paul Michielli, a neighbor, via CBS affiliate WCBS. “By the time I got down to the end of the block, I saw really dark smoke billowing out of one of the windows, and firefighters were already breaking the windows and trying to enter the premises.”

The FDNY told PEOPLE that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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A GoFundMe was established to help Rory's family during a “time of unimaginable grief.” As of Tuesday afternoon, it has raised over $382,000.

Rory was remembered as being "the lively baby" of her family, who "looked up to her 3 older siblings,
Kali, Bubba, and Shane, and stole a piece of each of their hearts."

"Loved and cared for by many, Rory will be missed beyond belief," the organizer added.

Related: Chicago Girl, 5, Dies After Bunk Bed Becomes Engulfed in Flames the Day After Christmas

The organizer went on to add that the girl's parents, who "have dedicated so much to their community, are now grappling with an immense loss that no family should ever have to endure."

"Prayers for the entire DeCristoforo family through the days, weeks, and years to come, and always remember Rory," the message read.

Related: Firefighter's 3 Kids Who Died After Fire at Home Were 'Deeply Loved,' Says Grandmother: 'Gone Too Soon'

The president of St. Peter’s, a high school where Rory’s father works, remembered the child as “a sweetheart of a girl,” according to the Staten Island Advance.

“This is such a tragic event,” added John Fodera. “A tragedy of a house burning is something that is unfathomable to believe, but when a life is lost, there are no words.”

The school also shared a link to the family’s GoFundMe on social media. “Please use the link in our bio and our story to help support Mr. DeCristoforo for all he has done for St. Peter’s,” they captioned an Instagram post.

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