A Philadelphia family is still reeling after the loss of a pregnant woman and her two young children. A fire broke out in the home that she shared with other members of her family while they slept. The fire, which started in early in the morning, reportedly moved quickly, which made escape nearly impossible.
While one woman was able to get out, Ashley Thompson was unable to free herself or her children. The investigation currently indicates that the fire may have been set on purpose.
NBC10 Philadelphia reported that according to officials, the fire broke out around 5 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025. At the time, five people were in the home: two women and three young children, officials said. A 54-year-old woman was able to escape by jumping through a window with a 1-year-old.
The woman was identified as the children’s grandmother. Officials said that she is listed in critical condition, while the baby has been listed in stable condition.
The woman who died was revealed to be 31-year-old Ashley Thompson. her family shared that she was seven months pregnant at the time of her death. She was already a mom to two children who died, 4-year-old Alayah and 5-year-old Asad.
“My nephew just graduated yesterday,” family member Chyna told NBC10. She also lived inside of the home, but wasn’t there when the fire broke out. “Asad, that little boy, he just graduated yesterday.”
“I’m hurt. I don’t even feel real, I just left out of the house and seen her and everybody yesterday,” the woman said.
Neighbor Yessenia Nieves told NBC10 that the fire moved “really fast.” She continued, saying “We looked out the window, it was engulfed in flames by the time my husband came downstairs. She had already jumped out the window and there was no going back in to help anyone else.”
According to a Philadelphia Police Department press release per People, a person of interest has been taken into custody. However, “no charges have been filed at this time.” They shared that the investigation is still active and ongoing. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started to help with funeral plans for the family.
“Ashley Thompson was the heart of her family,” the description reads. “Her children were her joy, her purpose, and the light of so many lives around them.”
