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Chicago Teen Dies Saving Family From Fire

May 28, 2007

The 17-year-old boy died while attempting to rescue family members.

CHICAGO --

The 17-year-old boy killed in a South Side fire Sunday died while attempting to rescue family members from the blaze, officials said.

Jerrell Watkins was pronounced dead at 2:51 a.m. at Roseland Community Hospital after a fire at his home on East 136th Street, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Images: Fatal Fire Video: Teen Killed Saving Family

The blaze occurred about 2 a.m. and no working smoking detectors were found in the home, Fire Media Affairs Cmdr. Will Knight said.

According to Knight, Watkins was able to escape the blaze, but "went back in to rescue family members," who were already out of the home. Knight did not specify how many family members were in the home during the fire.

A 43-year-old woman was taken to Roseland Community Hospital after the fire, but her condition and relationship with Watkins are unknown, Knight said.

Another adult and seven children escaped uninjured.

The fire department's Office of Fire Investigations and police Bomb and Arson units are investigating the blaze.