Tragedy struck Sevier County last month when a residential fire claimed the lives of two young siblings. The victims were identified as 15-year-old Esperanza "Essy" Gutierrez and 8-year-old Mateo Gutierrez, according to the Sevier County Sheriff's Office. The fire occurred on December 30, 2024, around 9:30 a.m., following a 911 call. Upon arrival, emergency services found the home "fully involved" with the devastating outcome of two casualties.
Investigations by the Sevier County Sheriff's Office, the Sevier County Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, determined the cause of the fire: a kerosene heater used for heating the home’s lower level, as reported by WATE. Sevier County officials also very explicitly confirmed the fire's accidental nature. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gutierrez family and all those affected by this devastating loss of two young lives," said Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters in a statement obtained by WVLT News.
The mother of the children, Kiska Gutierrez, recounted to 10News the heartrending story of Essy's brave attempt to save her younger brother, saying, "She left this world a hero." Essy was attending Sevier County Junior High, and her brother, Mateo, was enrolled at Sevierville Elementary School at the time of the incident.
In an expression of community support, a GoFundMe page has been established to aid the Gutierrez family in this time of unimaginable loss. Additionally, Citizens National Bank is accepting donations through a memorial account set up in the names of the deceased siblings. Donations can be made at its locations across Sevier, Jefferson, and Hamblen Counties. During a time marked by grief, Mayor Larry Waters also expressed appreciation for the efforts of the emergency responders: "We are grateful to our emergency responders for their diligent work during this difficult time," as per WVLT News.
