Shakwanda Harris dies in fatal Milwaukee apartment fire

Shakwanda Harris dies in fatal Milwaukee apartment fire

Fatal Milwaukee apartment fire death of Shakwanda Harris – Obituary

Shakwanda Harris, a 32-year-old Milwaukee mother of five, has been confirmed as the fifth person who died in a tragic apartment blaze on Mother’s Day.

Emergency crews were dispatched early Sunday morning to a large residential building near 27th Street and Highland Boulevard, where they encountered intense smoke and flames spreading through the 85-unit structure.

Firefighters carried out several rescue operations, using ladders to save people stranded on upper levels and guiding others through thick smoke-filled corridors to safety.

The fire claimed the lives of five individuals:

Shakwanda Harris, 32

Torrell Coleman, 40

Verna Richards, 62

Mark Chaffin, 76

Maureen Green, 67

As of Tuesday, six people were still being treated in the hospital, with one person in critical condition.

Harris’s family gathered at the site of the tragedy on Tuesday to honor her memory with balloons and heartfelt tributes. Her sister, Nikeya Harris, expressed deep sorrow, saying their family is shattered. Jessica Harris, another sister, shared the pain of waiting for confirmation due to Shakwanda’s body being unrecognizable initially.

Shakwanda was just weeks away from her 33rd birthday. Her family described her as a radiant, joyful woman who adored her five children, whose ages range from one to 12. Her sisters now intend to care for the children themselves.

“She was mama, now we have to be mama,” said Jessica. Nikeya added, “We look like her. Now we are her.”

Although Shakwanda didn’t live in the building, she was visiting when the fire erupted. Authorities have not yet released the cause of the fire, leaving loved ones desperate for answers.

“We just want closure,” said Nikeya.

Support from neighbors has brought some comfort, as community members like Ira Jefferson offered prayers and solidarity with the victims and survivors.

The building remains boarded up, and officials stated that residents won’t be able to re-enter for at least a week. Concerns have grown among tenants about possible theft, but Fire Chief Aaron Lipski assured the public that the site is secure.