In a heart-wrenching incident, a house fire in Hutchinson, Kansas, led to the untimely death of 4-year-old Naomi Payton and an adult resident.
The blaze occurred in the early hours of Saturday in the 1000 block of E. 3rd Ave. Firefighters discovered Naomi and the adult deceased in the basement upon arrival.
Father Remembers His Daughter
Eric Smith, Naomi’s biological father, expressed profound grief over the loss of his daughter. He described Naomi as a sweet and lively child who brought joy to everyone around her.
Smith had relinquished custody of Naomi and her 6-year-old sister in 2023, with the children residing with relatives from their mother’s side.
Reflecting on Naomi’s nature, Smith shared, “She was just the sweetest little thing, just happy to play, and she was just real lively, just a sweet little girl.”
Smith’s wife, Alanna McQueen-Smith, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Naomi’s loving spirit and her ability to connect with everyone she met. “Naomi loved everything and everybody. She never knew a stranger. She just loved everyone,” McQueen-Smith remarked.
Investigation Underway
The Hutchinson Police Department, in collaboration with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, has initiated an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the incident is being treated as a criminal matter. A police captain indicated that updates would be provided in the coming days.
Survivors and Ongoing Concerns
In addition to the fatalities, firefighters rescued another adult from the basement, who was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.
Naomi’s 6-year-old sister was found outside the home and is currently in stable condition. Smith has expressed his intention to regain custody of his surviving daughter, who is presently in foster care. He stated, “Fight this and get my daughter back home, to where she’ll be safe.”
Community Support and Memorial Efforts
In the wake of this tragedy, Smith has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses for Naomi. The community has rallied around the family, offering condolences and support during this difficult time.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Early morning of Saturday, [specific date not provided] |
| Location | 1000 block of E. 3rd Ave., Hutchinson, Kansas |
| Victims | 4-year-old Naomi Payton and an unidentified adult (deceased); another adult (serious condition); 6-year-old sister (stable condition) |
| Investigating Agencies | Hutchinson Police Department; Kansas Bureau of Investigation |
| Current Status | Investigation ongoing; awaiting updates from authorities |
The tragic loss of young Naomi Payton has left the Hutchinson community in mourning. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, family and friends remember Naomi’s joyful spirit and the love she shared with those around her.
The community’s support remains crucial as the family navigates this profound loss.
