Family Of 5 Killed In El Paso House Fire Laid To Rest

An El Paso family continues to mourn the loss of two grandparents and three grandchildren killed in a house fire on the city’s northeast side late last month.

All five were buried Friday.

The oldest killed in the fire was grandfather and veteran Luis Matos, who was 72. The youngest was 9-year-old Deman Matos.

Flags were drawn and guns were fired as a salute at the funeral of both grandparents at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.

For their grandchildren — doves were freed, balloons flew into a stark, blue sky, the same color as the caskets for 14-year-old Isaiah and 9-year-old Deman. Their sister 10-year-old Eboney’s casket was ivory The children were buried at Restlawn Cemetery.

“I love them and I miss them. I wish they could be here with me right now,” said Imani Hanson, a cousin of the grandchildren.

Mixed emotions ran through the tear-stricken crowd during the bilingual ceremony. The parents of the children received endless support from family and friends that came to pay their respects.

“I feel really bad for my uncle, losing also his parents. I don’t know how to express it. I don’t know what words can express how probably he feels right now. They brought a lot of happiness and joy to the family,” said Hanson.

This isn’t the first loss in their family. This time last year Hanson’s sister, Ayanna, passed away after battling leukemia.

“I wonder why is it my family? Why does stuff like this happen to my family?” Hanson said.

It was around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 28, when flames tore through a home on the 10100 block of Wolverine Drive. The five family members were trapped inside the home when the fire broke out.

Their grandmother, Monica Matos, died on the way to the hospital. Jan. 30 morning, the last surviving grandchild from the fire, 10-year-old Eboney Jones, was taken off life support, according to her mother, Camille Jones-Sanchez. Deman was taken off life support on Jan. 28 and Isaiah was taken off life support on Jan. 29. Luis Matos in El Paso on Feb. 13.

Fire Investigators have classified the cause of the fire as accidental. The fire started in the interior of the home near the front door.

Hanson takes some comfort in knowing the cousins are buried side by side and that there is so much love from family and friends supporting each other at this difficult time.

Even at night, Avanna’s tombstone looks bright surrounded with gifts from friends and family.

Isaiah, Deman, and Eboney are now by her side.

“My cousins are going to get buried at the feet of my sister. I can visit all of them, everybody,” said Hanson.

The Ysleta independent school district and friends of the victims have come forward to help the family with funeral costs, but the family still needs help.

If you would like to donate, go to the First Light Credit Union. The account is named the “Matos Family Memorial Fund”, number 9601593.