Brien Karlson.– Photo GoFundM

Friends and neighbors are rallying around the Karlson family who lost their 11-year-old son Brien in a nighttime house fire on Valentine’s Day last week.

As of Monday, more than $250,000 had been pledged on a GoFundMe page with a goal set at $40,00 to support the family. 

Jessica Jacob and Elissa Williams, who are organizing the fundraiser, wrote on the GoFundMe page that “Brien was a curious and gentle soul whose love for people and animals was apparent to anyone who spent any amount of time with or around him.” He attended John Read Middle School in Redding.

Jason McKinnon, superintendent of ER9 district schools, announced in an email that family and friends of the family will be received on Feb. 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home in Ridgefield.  A Memorial Service will be held on Feb. 23 at 3:30 p.m. at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church in Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately. 

To make a donation on the GoFundMe page click here.

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