The tragic loss has deeply affected Javarius’s friends, family, and the Batavia community.
Highlights
- Javarius Gus, a 10-year-old student and football player, tragically lost his life in a house fire on February 5, 2025. The fire has also left his two siblings in critical condition.
- This tragedy comes just two years after Javarius-Gus lost his mother in a car accident, adding to the family’s grief.
- The Batavia community has rallied around the family, with schools and sports organizations holding vigils and fundraisers, as well as a GoFundMe campaign to support funeral expenses and the siblings’ recovery.
Javarius Gus, a 10-year-old student and football player from Batavia, New York, tragically lost his life in a house fire on February 5, 2025.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the morning, also left his two siblings, aged 4 and 12, in critical condition.
Javarius’s death comes just two years after he lost his mother in a car accident, compounding the grief for his family and community.
The Fire Occurred When Javarius And His Siblings Were Home Alone
The fire occurred at a second-story apartment on Vine Street in Batavia.
Firefighters responded to the scene around 12:45 a.m. after receiving reports of children trapped inside.
Flames were visible from the second-story window, and thick smoke made it difficult for first responders to reach the children immediately.
Javarius and his siblings were alone in the apartment at the time of the fire.
Firefighters eventually rescued all three children, but Javarius succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
His siblings were rushed to Strong Memorial Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but authorities have confirmed that the children were home alone when the fire broke out.
Neighbors reported hearing the smoke alarm and the children yelling for help before firefighters arrived.
Two Batavia police officers and one firefighter sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze.
Javarius Was Living With His Aunt And Uncle After His Mother Died Two Years Ago
Javarius’s death is the latest in a series of devastating losses for his family.
Two years ago, his mother, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, died in a car accident.
The details of her death remain private, but the loss left Javarius and his siblings in the care of their aunt, Myriah Neal.
Javarius’s father has not made any public statements since the fire, but neighbors and community members have expressed their condolences and support for the family.
Javarius Will Be Missed By His Friends, Family, And The Batavia Community
Javarius was a fifth-grade student at Batavia Middle School, where he was known for his bright smile and love of sports.
He was an active member of the Batavia Bulldawgs, the school football team.
His coaches and teammates remember him as a hardworking and enthusiastic kid who always gave his best effort.
The Batavia community has rallied around Javarius’s family in the wake of the fire.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover funeral expenses and support his siblings’ recovery.
The campaign quickly surpassed its goal, with donations pouring in from across the region.
Local schools and sports organizations have also held vigils and fundraisers in Javarius’s memory.
Batavia Superintendent Jason Smith said in a statement,
We continue to keep Javarius-Gus and his family close in our hearts, as well as his siblings. Students and staff wore blue today across the District, as blue was Javarius’s favorite color. And students honored him by memorializing his locker with kind words about what a special friend he was.
thebatavian.com
Javarius Gus’s life, though tragically short, was marked by his love for his family, his passion for football, and his infectious energy.
His death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, but his memory will live on through the stories and moments shared by his loved ones.
Additional Information
- Superintendent Smith announced that if students need additional support, they or their parents can call the Care and Crisis hotline at (585) 283-5200 or text “talk” to 741741.
- The GoFundMe campaign for Javarius and his siblings has raised over $11,000 as of February 10, 2025.
- A memorial service for Javarius-Gus will be held on February 13th from 4-6 at St. Anthony’s at 114 Liberty St., Batavia, NY 14020.
