Sallina Sareth dies in fatal North Park fire

Sallina Sareth dies in fatal North Park fire

Fatal North Park fire death of Sallina Sareth – Obituary

Sallina Sareth, a 19-year-old Chicago resident living with cerebral palsy, tragically died in a house fire on Tuesday afternoon in the city’s North Park neighborhood. The fire broke out around 1:30 p.m. in a second-floor apartment on North Bernard Street while Sallina was home with her father and a nurse.

According to her family, Sallina was nonverbal and immobile due to her condition. When the flames spread, she became trapped in her bedroom and was unable to escape. Her loved ones say she likely suffered in silence, unable to call for help.

Heartbroken relatives returned to the apartment the next day, walking through the charred remains. Her sister, Rath Tep, described Sallina as like a daughter to her, expressing deep anguish over not being there when she needed help most. Her brother, Richard Sareth, also mourned the painful and lonely moments she likely endured.

The fire reportedly began in the living room area and rapidly spread through the unit. Sallina’s father tried to rescue her and sought help from the nurse, but family members say the nurse panicked and fled the apartment instead of assisting. They blame inadequate training for the nurse’s inability to help during the emergency.

The nurse was reportedly employed by Aveanna Healthcare, though the company has not yet responded to inquiries from ABC7.

The family is now raising funds through GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses for Sallina Sareth.