An 11-year-old boy with autism who died tragically when a trailer went up in flames in Oshawa last weekend was the “light” of his mother’s life, according to an online fundraiser.
Durham Regional Police say emergency crews responded to a vehicle fire at a home on Elgin St. W. — west of Park Rd. N. — around 2:20 p.m. on Saturday.
“They arrived on scene within three minutes of the call and found a trailer fully engulfed in flames,” acting Staff-Sgt. Joanne McCabe told reporters at the scene that day.
She said a child was found dead inside the trailer, which was situated in the backyard of a bungalow, while a woman and a man were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The two adults survived the fire.
Two firefighters also suffered minor burns battling the blaze.
The Ontario Fire Marshal is investigating but it is still not known what sparked the fire.
The boy’s name was not released but he has now been identified as Bentley on a GoFundMe page set up by a “longtime friend” of his mom Amanda Dunn.
“Bentley had profound autism and was the absolute light of Amanda’s life,” Kaylee Hruska says on GoFundMe . “She devoted herself fully to giving him every opportunity he could enjoy, and he thrived surrounded by her love.”
It’s believed Bentley and his mother, who works as a manager of a Tim Hortons in Oshawa, had been living in the trailer.
“Bentley was deeply cherished by everyone who knew him — his family, teachers, therapists, friends, camp counsellors, and many others in the community who were touched by his bright spirit and one-of-a-kind personality,” Hruska says on GoFundMe .
Bentley’s mom and dad ‘completely heartbroken’
She explains that while the boy’s parents were no longer together, “they were a strong and loving team for Bentley.”
And this “unimaginable loss” has left his mom and dad, Braeden, “completely heartbroken.”
“Together, they gave him an incredible life filled with joy, adventures, and beautiful memories,” Hruska says.
The GoFundMe had raised nearly $3,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
“The funds raised will go toward funeral costs and will help Amanda take time away from work to grieve and heal without the added burden of financial stress while she rebuilds a life without her beautiful Bentley,” Hruska says.
“Any amount, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference during this devastating time,” she adds. “Please keep Amanda, Bentley, and their families in your thoughts and prayers.”
