7-Year-Old Boy Dies After Accidentally Lighting Himself on Fire While Playing with Matches

A young boy tragically died in Utah over the weekend after he was burned while playing with matches, authorities said.

The fatal incident unfolded on Saturday evening in the alleyway behind Salt Lake City (SLC) residences, a spokesperson for the SLC Police Department confirms to PEOPLE.

Stowe said the blaze burned off most of the boy’s clothing and caused second-degree burns to 90 percent of his body.

However, it was sadly too late for the young boy, who later died of his injuries, the outlet reported. The other boy did not suffer any injuries during the incident, per the outlet.

“He’s like a little brother to us,” said neighborhood friend Sito Tausinga. “He was really close… He’s the one who brings everyone together.”

Added Sito’s sister, Fane Tausinga: “I’m sad. I’m really sad. He would just come [on] ride bikes with us, and then he started to know us, and my mom loved him.”

The sisters said Dam knew every kid on the street and was always asking to play outside.

“Yesterday… he just came and he was like, ‘I’m bored.’ And I opened the window and I said, ‘Go home,'” added Fane. “And three hours later, we found out there was a fire in the back. My auntie called my mom, and we just heard my mom screaming, and we all came over here.”

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The Tausinga sisters also told the outlet they’re praying for Dam’s family.

“We love them so much,” Fane said, “and we just want them to know we’re all here if they need anything.”

source: people.com