**Tragic NJ Apartment Fire Claims Life of 6-Year-Old Child**
A tragic apartment fire in Mercer County has left a family grieving the loss of a six-year-old boy, Jayden Gotell Watkins. Jayden, visiting his great-grandmother for the holidays, lost his life in the devastating blaze that also displaced more than a dozen people from their homes on Thursday, Jan. 3.
### Family Mourns Unimaginable Loss
The family, now surrounded by loved ones, is trying to come to terms with the heartbreaking events of that fateful day. Jayden’s great-grandmother, Dorothy Smith, shared her shock and sorrow, unable to shake the haunting memories of the fire that claimed her grandson’s life. Describing Jayden as a “grandma’s boy,” Smith fondly remembered the young boy’s visits during holidays and summers, highlighting his humor, intelligence, and kind nature.
### Rescue Efforts Amidst Tragedy
When emergency responders arrived at the Cambridge Hall apartment complex on Lower Ferry Road in Ewing, New Jersey, they were met with a harrowing scene. Reports of a trapped young person on the fourth floor prompted a swift evacuation, with all hands on deck to reach the source of the fire.
Despite the valiant efforts of the Ewing Fire Departments, Jayden was found unresponsive in the apartment where the fire originated. Rushed to a nearby hospital, the six-year-old was tragically pronounced dead. Alongside Jayden, 13 police officers, one firefighter, and three residents were also injured, receiving treatment for minor burns, smoke inhalation, and exhaustion.
### Community Support and Call to Action
In the aftermath of the fire, the American Red Cross stepped in to assist the 16 individuals from 12 units affected by the disaster. Jayden’s family, grappling with immense loss and devastation, is now seeking the community’s support to rebuild their lives. Dorothy Smith, who lost nearly everything in the fire, is in urgent need of donations to help her recover from this tragedy.
If you wish to contribute and support Smith during this difficult time, donations of clothes and essential items can be dropped off at MBM Fashion on MLK Boulevard in Trenton, New Jersey. As investigations into the fire’s cause continue, authorities are urging anyone with information to contact Ewing Police Detective David Hartmann.
In the wake of this heartbreaking incident, the community’s solidarity and generosity serve as beacons of hope amidst the darkness of loss and tragedy. The memory of young Jayden Watkins, a bright and beloved soul taken too soon, will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.
