(Jan. 24, 2008) -- The family which lost three children in a fatal December 2007 garage fire (1000 block MLK Ave., alleged unpermitted residential conversion), after which a familymember was struck by gunfire while paying respects at the location, has suffered another loss.

Following the fire, an aunt to the three deceased children (sister to the children's mother), weakened by a chronic lung ailment, became acutely ill. She was hospitalized...and over the past weekend, passed away. Blanca Dearmas was 19 years old. She leaves behind her mother and two sisters, one of whom is Iris Duran, mother to the three deceased children.

The family now faces significant funeral/burial expenses, says John Edmond, Chief of Staff to 6th district Councilman Dee Andrews. "Councilman Andrews believes these human tragedies know no boundaries," Mr. Edmond told LBReport.com and said the 6th district Council office has taken steps to assist the family...with an opportunity for LB residents to help.

Mr. Edmond says a former colleague, Bank of America client manager Sanjay Chugani (a VP at B of A's Redondo Beach branch), facilitated opening an account in the name of Iris Duran, mother of the three deceased children, who now faces burying her sister (currently planned for this weekend).

The Bank of America account number is 04566-45121...and Mr. Edmond says that those interested in helping her can go into any Bank of America branch and ask to deposit sums to that numbered account in the name of Iris Duran.

In a release, Councilman Andrews' office says:

"This family is undergoing a tremendous burden emotionally and financially. They have nothing but the love and support of family and friends. As a community we need to come together during this time and offer our condolences and support this family. The community of Long Beach has no boundaries. The family needs to provide funeral arrangements for Blanca in order to begin putting their lives back together again. Please help."