Ghanaian community gathers to mourn 6 lost in Belmont fire

<p>Community members and dignitaries gathered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Saturday night to mourn the loss of six Ghanaians who lost their lives in the Prospect Avenue fire.</p>

News 12 Staff

Jan 14, 2018, 2:54 AM

Updated 2,294 days ago

Share:

Community members and dignitaries gathered at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Saturday night to mourn the loss of six Ghanaians who lost their lives in the Prospect Avenue fire.
The Ghanaian community said it was shaken by the loss after the Belmont apartment went up in flames, killing 13.   
The six immigrants were identified as Gabriel Yaw Sarkookie, a 48-year-old Uber driver trying to provide for his family in Ghana; Solomon Donkor, 49, and his 12- and 17-year-old children, William and Hannah; Justice Opoku, 54, also couldn't make it out of the building; and 28-year-old Army National Guard soldier Emmanuel Mensah, who has been labeled a hero for helping save nearly half a dozen people from the fire before losing his life. 
Mensah's father attended Saturday's service and spoke to News 12 about his son. 
"He's the kind of guy that always wants to help people out…I think he did what he was supposed to do and I miss him a lot," he said. 
Funeral arrangements of Mensah have not yet been finalized. Justice Opoku and Gabriel Sarkodie will have a joint funeral on Jan. 20. 


More from News 12
2:36
South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

1:33
Cold start ahead of a beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey

Cold start ahead of a beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey

0:33
Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:28
Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

0:23
New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

0:17
Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

2:34
KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?

KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?

10:25
Gov. Murphy answers viewers questions on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’ program - April 25, 2024

Gov. Murphy answers viewers questions on ‘Ask Gov. Murphy’ program - April 25, 2024

2:34
Airlines now required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled, delayed flights

Airlines now required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled, delayed flights

0:25
Police: Homeowner injured in fire at Marlboro home

Police: Homeowner injured in fire at Marlboro home

Gusts of activity underway by friends and foes of offshore wind energy projects

Gusts of activity underway by friends and foes of offshore wind energy projects

0:39
Jersey Proud: US Coast Guard lands helicopter at school for career day

Jersey Proud: US Coast Guard lands helicopter at school for career day

2:25
‘Goal: Zero’ aims to make New Jersey’s roadways safer for the community

‘Goal: Zero’ aims to make New Jersey’s roadways safer for the community

Philadelphia Eagles select cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with the No. 22 pick in the NFL draft

Philadelphia Eagles select cornerback Quinyon Mitchell with the No. 22 pick in the NFL draft

2:43
‘New York’s law is wrong.’ New Jersey remote workers appeal New York income tax rules

‘New York’s law is wrong.’ New Jersey remote workers appeal New York income tax rules

1:05
Officials: 2 arrested for trespassing during pro-Palestinian protest at Princeton University

Officials: 2 arrested for trespassing during pro-Palestinian protest at Princeton University

2:24
Newark officials announce summer curfew for minors to go into effect May 3

Newark officials announce summer curfew for minors to go into effect May 3

2:19
Road Trip: Popcorn Park Zoo and Refuge

Road Trip: Popcorn Park Zoo and Refuge