Hundreds remember Cox family killed in Tumwater house fire

TUMWATER, Wash. — Investigators continue to search for answers after a house fire in Thurston County resulted in the deaths of two parents and their three children earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the close-knit and heartbroken community flocked to the stadium at Tumwater High School to light candles in prayer Sunday night.

Friends and family wanted to remember the Cox family for the good things they did and the smiles they inspired.

Aaron Toman, a friend and former colleague of Steve Cox, said: “They would undress anyone they met regardless of the circumstances.

Hundreds of adults and children gathered to honor the Cox family: father Steven, mother Destiny and their three children, ages 10, 12 and 13.

One man described the children as “all very unique and equally amazing because they were raised properly and full of life.”

That fateful morning, one survivor: a teenage girl slept and escaped from the house before rescue teams arrived and found it engulfed in flames.

The girl’s mother read aloud a speech she had written.

“I have shed many tears since the tragedy happened and I cannot express the love I have for their entire family,” she said.

Officials say the teen has now been discharged from hospital after receiving care for mild smoke inhalation. She said Steve and Destiny’s 13-year-old daughter is her best friend.

“That morning may haunt me forever, but I want you to know it won’t ruin my wonderful memories,” her mother read aloud.

Great memories were the theme of the somber, heartfelt evening.

“They were amazing people who touched everyone they’ve ever met,” Toman said.

Toman worked with Steven for many years as an electrician.

“I’ve seen Steven skip lunch and take his whole group out to eat, you know, over the weekend just to make sure people know that he loves them, loves them all,” Toman said. “He feels like he wants to give back to everyone he can.”

Meanwhile, Destiny’s sister, Hayley Bogart, expressed her gratitude to the community for their overwhelming support.

“With all of your support, we will be able to get through this terrible event,” Bogart said. “This has affected our entire community and if there’s anything we can learn from this tragedy it is to love each other, hug and kiss our kids. All of it. we all live together in this world and so let’s help each other, love each other and lend a helping hand.”

The family was left with only the oldest child, 14, who was not at home at the time of the fire.

Thurston County investigators do not believe the fire was caused by any criminal activity.

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are gathering evidence to determine a possible cause of the fire.