Tragedy, instead of merriment, happened to an Ohio family on Christmas night when fire gutted the home in Fayette County. Beyond the burnt house, what was tragic was that the fire killed the grandmother who owns the house as well as her three grandsons who visited her so she wouldn't be lonely on Christmas Day.

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Fayette County coroner Dr. Dennis Mesker tentatively identified the fatalities as Terry Harris, 60; Kenyon Harris, 14; Broderick Harris, 11; and Braylon Harris, 9.

The fire gutted the one-floor, ranch-style house of Terry at about 4 a.m. on Friday. Her grandsons live just two houses away with their parents, reports Fox News.

The boys adored their grandmother, shared Vernon Stanforth, sheriff of Fayette County.

He added Terry's body was near the front door, while those of the kids were near her, indicating the four, led by their grandmother, were trying to leave the burning house.

Stanforth said the three were good boys, and their family was close knit.

The fire marshal said it is still investigating the cause of the deadly blaze. The fire was reported to 911, but by that time the house had burnt completely, according to the female caller.

To help the family, friends and classmates of the boys cope with the untimely death of the four, county officials made available counselors beginning Friday.

Stanforth said, "To lose three children and a grandparent, it's devastating to the family ... The fact that it's the holiday makes it even worse for the community."

Tagschristmas, fire, tragedy