Courtesy of Sheriff Joel Cochran
NEED TO KNOW
Authorities responded to a fire on Feb. 14 in Oak Meadow Circle outside of Sandersville in Georgia, the Washington County Sheriff's Office said
The victims have been identified as Christian Jackson, 7, and his sister Maliyah Russell, 4, officials said.
An investigation into the blaze remains active, Sheriff Joel Cochran tells PEOPLE
Two young siblings died in a fire at their family's Georgia home on Valentine's Day, authorities said.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office said authorities responded to a fire around 4:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, Feb. 14, in Oak Meadow Circle outside of Sandersville, CBS affiliateWMAZ, ABC affiliateWSBandThe Union-Recorderreported.
In an email to PEOPLE on Monday, Feb. 16, Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran identified the victims as 7-year-old Christian Jackson and his 4-year-old sister Maliyah Russell. He confirmed that the case remains active.
"The Georgia Fire Marshals Office has been called to aid the Sheriffs Office in the investigation," Cochran also wrote in a SaturdayFacebook post. "Please join me in praying for this family, our first responders, and our community this morning and in the days ahead."
Little People's Paradise Daycare Centeralso confirmed the Christian and Maliyah's deaths in a separate post on social media Saturday.
Courtesy of Sheriff Joel Cochran
"It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of two of our precious students, Christian Jackson and Maliyah Russell," the daycare said.
Advertisement
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE'sfree daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
"Our entire daycare family is grieving alongside their loved ones during this unimaginable time. Christian and Maliyah brought so much light, laughter, and joy into our classrooms," the center added. "Their smiles, sweet spirits, and beautiful energy will forever be a part of our center and will always be remembered and cherished."
"We ask that you keep their families, friends, classmates, and our staff in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate this profound loss together. We are providing love, support, and age-appropriate guidance to our children and team as we process this with compassion and care," the Little People's Paradise Daycare Center concluded.
TheWashington County Public School Districtalso offered a statement on Saturday about the tragedy, sharing that Christian was a second-grader at Ridge Road Primary School in Sandersville.
"Christian was known at RRPS for being extremely smart with a smile that always lit up the room," wrote schools superintendent Timothy May. "Our hearts are heavy for family, friends, teachers, classmates and our WACO Community."
Tyra Stephens, a friend and cousin of Christian and Maliyah's mother, toldWMAZthat she is in shock over their deaths.
"Feels like I'm inTheTwilight Zone,"she added. "I don't think it's really hit me 100% that I'm not gonna see Chris and Leah. It just doesn't feel real."
Read the original article onPeople
