A fundraiser has been set up by a family friend for the family of a sixth grader
who died following a fire at his home in Redding Tuesday night.
Brien Karlson died from his injuries Wednesday. Some relatives stopped by the home Thursday night and told News 12 the family's pets also did not survive the fire.
Karlson was a Boy Scout, and his death has hit the community hard. A family spokesperson said the 11-year-old was known for his laugh and tireless sense of adventure.
Karlson could often be found searching the stream behind his home for frogs and other animals near where he lived. He was a member of Redding Boy Scout Troop 15, and he enjoyed camping.
In a statement the family said, "Young Brien brought immeasurable joy and laughter to his parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and teammates with his quick wit, easy laugh, and tireless sense of adventure."
A neighbor told News 12 the school bus that used to pick Karlson up took a different route Thursday so the kids would not have to see what is left of the home.
Many people came by the home on Diamond Hill Road Thursday and paid their respects, some laying flowers. One person left a teddy bear with a blue tie around its neck.
The family is asking for any donations to be made to be made out to Redding Boy Scout Troop 15 and Cub Scout Pack 118.