ST PAUL, Minnesota — The family of Muaj Cag Txuj Vang remembers the 18-month-old as a happy boy, who was always laughing and jumping around. He loved his parents and five siblings.
"We truly appreciate and thank you for all your support," said a family member, visiting from California.
Muaj Cag Txuj's funeral started Saturday at Saint Paul Funeral Home. The traditional three-day Hmong funeral will continue Monday.
The Vang family had just celebrated the New Year when a fire tore through their St. Paul home on January 3. Muaj Cag Txuj, along with his five siblings and mom, were inside the home at the time. Dad Pa Cheng Vang was at work when it happened. According to the St. Paul Fire Department, investigators determined the fire to be accidental — caused by an unattended candle.
Four kids died because of the fire. The funeral for Muaj Tshav Ntuj, 4, was held last month. 5-year-old twin Ntshiab Siv's funeral is set for March 23-25; Siv Ntshiab's funeral will begin March 29.
"Our lives will forever be changed," St. Paul Fire Chief Butch Inks said.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter was also among the public officials who spoke at Muaj Cag Txuj's funeral on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking to Pa Cheng, Mayor Carter said, "I hold in this moment both the great, enormous, unthinkable grief of the loss that we've endured together and the great enormous hope that I take from your spirit. That I take from your family. That I take from your community. That I take from your city. And that I take from the fact that I get to share that family, that city, that community with you."
Mayor Carter also spoke about the importance of fire safety and families having an escape plan, something Pa Cheng has stressed since losing his kids. The family did have working smoke detectors at the time of the fire.
Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson spoke on behalf of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, saying, "They realize, as others do, the significance that this devastating loss has had on your family, this community, the city of S. Paul and the entire state of Minnesota."
Hnub Qub Vaj, 3, has been back at home since the beginning of February.
According to family member Tongai Vang, the mother, Ker Lor remains hospitalized. Vang said she can see and hear but cannot talk or move. Vang said Lor had been able to smile. Meanwhile, their six-year-old son is talking but having a hard time walking. He's currently in physical therapy and could possibly go home in the next week or so.
A GoFundMe for the family has raised more than $500,000.
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