Drive-past funeral open to community to honour 3 Brampton brothers that died in fire

The family of three Brampton brothers that tragically died in a house fire have issued what they call a final statement ahead of a funeral that will be held to honour their lives on Sunday.

Firefighters were called to a townhouse complex on Jan. 19 near Torbram Road and Clark Boulevard just before 9:15 a.m.

Brampton Fire Chief Bill Boyes said firefighters were met with heavy flames and smoke and pulled three children from the home. They were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where they were pronounced dead.

The family identified three brothers a day later through a statement provided to Peel Police — shared by a group called “Malton Moms” — on behalf of the Bagan and Tomatuk Family. The letter confirmed that their mother, Heather Bagan, departed her home to drop off her youngest child at daycare. When she returned, she was “devastated to find her home gutted by fire.”

The three brothers were identified as 15-year-old Coen Bagan-Overholt, Riley Bagan-Overholt, age 12, and Alex Bagan-Overholt, age 9.

In an updated statement, the family says the past week has been the most challenging experience of their lives.

“There are no words to accurately express and convey the heartache we are feeling with the loss of Coen, Riley and Alex,” a representative for the family says.

“The boys were incredibly helpful, kind and good humans, but more than anything, they were, and continue to be, deeply loved by so many. We know their personalities will brighten the afterlife and continue to shine within all of our hearts. We thank Coen, Riley and Alex for choosing us to be their family.”

The family thanked the community for their support, generosity, prayers and understanding. They say that though the services for their three boys will be private, “we know this tragedy is being felt by many.”

“An opportunity for a drive-past is available for community members to pay their respects to the boys and show their support for the family,” the letter says.

A commemoration will be held on Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Brampton Funeral Home. The family says community members can pay their respects strictly through their vehicles in a designated area. They’re also requesting donations be made to Autism Ontario “in lieu of flowers or other kind gestures.”

“While we are appreciative of the support and compassion we have been shown, we continue to ask for our privacy to grieve as a family.”

More information can be found by visiting the funeral home’s website.