RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Just three days after a deadly house fire claimed the lives of a woman and her great-grandson, community members have stepped up to raise nearly $20,000 in support of the family now torn by tragedy. On Saturday, Dec. 13, at around 9 a.m., the Richmond Fire Department found a two-story home engulfed in flames. It happened near the intersection of North 22nd and R streets. Neighbors who witnessed the fire described hearing what sounded like an explosion, and say the home was covered in thick smoke. "I was driving home, and I just saw a plume of smoke, so I came right as the fire trucks were arriving," said Jeannie Friedrich who lives nearby. "Flames were just pouring out and at the time, we didn't know that anybody was in there until later." Dec. 13 deadly house fire along N. 22nd Street in Richmond. (Photo: KB) Officials say three people were found inside the home. A 70-year-old woman, identified by neighbors as Rosa Marie Ross and her 10-year-old great-grandson, Kareem Londell Swann, both sadly died in the fire. A spokesperson for the Richmond Police Department told 8News that the boy was a student at a Henrico County elementary school and that the woman was his great-grandmother. A 56-year-old man was found alive and taken to a hospital. A neighbor told 8News he was a family member and said he'd been released from the hospital. "I [saw] him this morning," said one neighbor. " I talked to him and you know my prayers are with him." Authorities also said the fire caused exposure damage to adjacent homes. The tragedy has rattled neighbors as the Richmond Fire Department continues to investigate what caused the flames. "I've seen a lot of people just stop and look," Friedrich said. "You can tell they're giving a moment of silence." Friedrich often walks by the home while walking her dog. She said the woman who neighbors affectionately called Ms. Rose, would usually be seen sitting on her porch. The area once meant for rest has become a memorial, filled with flowers in remembrance. After the fire, the Church Hill community created a GoFundMe and have since raised more than $19,000 dollars, nearing the fundraiser's goal of $20,000. Friedrich said the outpouring of donations reflects how much neighbors look out for one another. According to the organizer of the GoFundMe, all funds raised will be provided directly to the Ross family to support them during this period of grief and transition. ...read more read less