Bronx Dad, Austistic Daughter Die In Kitchen Fire On Thanksgiving Day

A kitchen fire that broke out in a New York City apartment on Thanksgiving morning resulted in the deaths of a disabled man and his autistic daughter, while two other family members were in critical condition, according to authorities.

Perfecto Aramboles, 60, and his daughter, Odalys Aramboles, 20, could not be saved from the blaze that started in their Morris Heights, Bronx apartment at around 5:30 a.m. Thursday, the New York Daily News reported, citing officials.

Perfecto had spinal issues and was disabled, while Odalys was autistic, their family said.

The two died after being transported to nearby hospitals, according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

Perfecto's wife and stepdaughter, Lorenza Suarez and Rosanna Suarez, aged 63 and 42, respectively, were hospitalized in critical condition following the incident. They remained hospitalized Thursday night.

"There still is toxicity in their blood, they're running their labs every so often just to make sure that it eventually leaves their bodies, but it's gonna be a process. So that's why they're still intubated," relative Sue Rosario said.

Rosanna, who attempted to save Perfecto and Odalys, had been planning to host Thanksgiving in the victims' second-floor apartment on Harrison Avenue. Thursday's fire destroyed the residence.

"It doesn't make the Thanksgiving like happy anymore. You're supposed to be thankful. And this just makes everything sad. Like, I don't even want to celebrate because they passed," neighbor Melissa Pagan was quoted as saying by NY1.

Fire officials have not revealed what started the fire, but it's believed to have started in the apartment's kitchen.

An investigation into what caused the fire is ongoing, CBS 2 reported.

The blaze did not appear to be suspicious, officials said.

Residents of the five-story building where the fire broke out had complained of the heat and hot water issues before the incident, according to Councilwoman Pierina Sanchez.

A complaint for no heat building-wide was filed with the Department of Housing Preservation and Development Monday, city records showed.

Relatives of the victims have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with the family's finances.

"It's just a terrible tragedy. Everyone in this building knows each other, and so there were a lot of tears shed in learning about this tragedy," Sanchez said.