Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Extends Heartfelt Condolences to Family Suffering From Tragedy

Akwesasne – On Sunday January 26, 2014 at approximately 10:20 a.m. the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department (HAVFD) was dispatched to a structural fire with possible entrapment on the St. Regis Road, which resulted in the tragic loss of a father and two sons. The house fire claimed the lives of Jarius Chrisjohn, 46 years of age, Javin Chrisjohn, 5 years, and Hunter Chrisjohn, 3 years, all of 184 St. Regis Road, Akwesasne, New York. Michele David, 27, and her son, Jericho Chrisjohn, 8, survived the fire. HAVFD firefighters attempted rescue operations, however worsening conditions forced firefighters out of the structure. The fire was under control within approximately 45 minutes and crews remained on scene throughout the evening, until after 8:00 pm. First responders from twelve agencies were on scene to assist. The New York State BCI, Franklin County Fire Department Cause and Origin Unit and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control assisted with the investigation. The investigation has been completed and turned over to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police. Final report details are not yet available to the public.

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe extends our heartfelt condolences to the David, Chrisjohn, and Bigtree family and friends who have recently suffered the devastating loss of their loved ones. We have gathered our kindest thoughts and prayers together and wrap them around the family members who mourn at this time. We also extend our thoughts out to the community members whose memories have been jostled and thrown back in time to devastating losses they have also suffered in the past.

As feelings of helplessness and grief sweep across our community, we are extremely grateful for the lives that were spared and realize they need our kindest thoughts and consideration, now, more than ever. We are also grateful for our first responders. We appreciate the sacrifices they make and the risks they take doing their best to help someone in their time of greatest need.

In times like this our community feels each other’s grief and we respond the best way we know how. As we hold up the family who bears this loss, we naturally reach out to each other with renewed compassion and appreciation.

HAVFD Chief, Derek Comins stated, “The membership of the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the families involved in this tragedy.” The HAVFD extends our thanks / niawen:kówa to our community members who delivered food, coffee and snacks to our firemen. The HAVFD recognizes and thanks the Bombay Fire and EMS, Fort Covington Fire, Helena Fire, Franklin County Emergency Services, New York State Fire, Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance, Massena Rescue, Seaway Valley Ambulance, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police, New York State Police and the Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service for their immediate response and rescue efforts.