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Non-Verbal Autistic High School Senior Dies In Pennsylvania House Fire

A non-verbal, autistic high school senior died in a house fire earlier this week, according to officials and multiple media outlets.

Aiden Albert Herrera

Aiden Albert Herrera

Photo Credit: Facebook (Alberto Herrera)

Aidan Albert Herrera, 20, of Hughestown, died in a fire at his home on Monday, officials say.

The fire broke out in the the top floor of the family's home on Kenley Street in Hughestown, Luzerne County on Monday around 6 p.m., according to fire officials.

Herrera was under the supervision of an aide while his father was out; he was on the toilet at the time of his death and refused to let the aide in the room, according to CBS21.

“I miss him right now. His birthday was coming up going to be 21 on Valentine’s Day. We were going to celebrate with a party and he was gonna graduate this year in June. He went to Valley West High School. The Baptist program there for mental retardation," his father Alberto Herrera told Fox56.

Herrera enjoyed coloring, puzzles, swimming, the outdoors and his iPad, according to his obituary.

He was a member of St. Cecilia's Church in Exeter, as stated in his obituary.

He is survived by his father; four brothers, Dominic, Dante, Giani and Joseph; his extended family and friends, according to his obituary and social media.

A GoFundMe campaign page has been started to help cover funeral expenses and help the Herrera family rebuild.

The campaign has raised $8,775 of a $5,000 goal, as of Thursday afternoon.

A viewing will be followed by a funeral with the Rev. Michael E. Finn officiating the service at Lokuta-Zawacki Funeral Home located in the 200 Wyoming Avenue in Dupont, on Friday starting at 8 a.m. for friends to attend the viewing and the funeral will begin at 10 a.m., according to his obituary.

He will be buried at St. Casimir's Cemetery located at 320 Terdick St. In Pittston on Friday at 3 p.m., according to a social media post by his father.

If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe campaign page, you can do so here. 

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