2-Year-Old Killed In Boulder Fire Mourned

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) - Neighbors gathered to mourn a 2-year-old killed in a house fire on Tuesday as officials investigated the fire's cause.

"It really hits home, having a daughter that's the same age," neighbor Lanie Williams said as her daughter placed flowers at the growing memorial in north Boulder. "I wanted her to learn how to show respect and how to be part of the community."

Neighbors described seeing the toddler, referred to as Alex in prayer messages left behind, playing outside.

Investigators, meanwhile, said they didn't find smoke detectors in the home's debris. The home was located in the 4900 block of 19th Street.

Others said the victim's mother and brother, who were injured in the fire, are recovering.

Some neighbors tried to rescue the toddler.

Many in the Boulder Meadows community said they wish they had been able to do more, but the flames were just too hot, forcing them back, even as the toddler's mother yelled for him inside.

"It was too hot to get in. The smoke was coming fast, dark clouds coming fast," neighbor Jesus Luna said.

Community members have set up a Go Fund Me campaign to help the family.