Pocono News Section

School Reacts to Child's Death

School Reacts to Child's Death - Friday, March 28, 2008 at 5:08PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Friday, Mar 28, 2008 @05:08pm EST

HAWLEY- A school district in the Poconos is in mourning after an 11-year-old boy was killed in a fire early Friday morning. The young victim has been identified as Adam Erickson. He was a special-needs student at the North Intermediate School in Hawley. We talked with school leaders and neighbors about the tragedy.

The family home on Perkins Pond Road in Berlin Township is where 11-year-old Adam Erickson lost his life early Friday morning. But for the last few years Erickson spent most of his time as a fifth grader at the North Intermediate School in Hawley.

North Intermediate School Principal Tom Kennedy explained “Adam made everyone laugh. He was a boy who would, when other kids were down and out, he would pick them up and cheer them up."

Kennedy said Erickson was well-liked by fellow students and staff. He enjoyed singing in the choir and doing other activities.

Adam loved the after-school programs. He was in a number of different activities; playing the guitar on the computer and a lot of other activities" continued Principal Kennedy.

Erickson died when flames raced through his home just before 3:00 am Friday. His older brother John and father were also home at the time. They escaped with only minor burns.

Neighbor Glenn Voss tried to help rescue Adam in those first few minutes after the fire was discovered. “I could hear his father yelling on the other side, trying to wake the son up. There was no way I could do anything, I couldn't get in."

Pennsylvania State Police said the deadly blaze does not appear suspicious, but the exact cause is still under investigation.

Friends said the family has lost everything. As they plan to come together for Adam's memorial service on Saturday, they will also help the family get back on their feet.

I know this community will rally around them. We've done it in other cases, with other families and kids who have been hurt. I have no doubt we'll do it in this case as well" added Principal Kennedy.

A fire fund has been set-up to help the family at Wayne Bank in Honesdale. The memorial service for Adam Erickson will be held next Saturday at the Free Methodist Church in Beach Lake.