By ABC-7 Reporter Marissa Monroy
CHAPARRAL, NM -- A small community is remembering the lives of two siblings and a toddler who died during Wednesday night's deadly fire at a mobile home.
According to investigators, the blaze broke out just after 11:25 p.m. at a mobile home in the 2500 block of Capital Dr.
The medical examiner's office identified the victims as 20-year-old Elena Diaz, her brother, 17-year-old Rodolfo Diaz, and her infant daughter, 14-month-old Eileen Millan. Fire officials say the three were unable to get out because flames blocked the hallway and there were metal bars on the windows.
For the family who lived with the victims, the devastating fire is an experience they will never forget.
"We were all sleeping and then I woke up because I couldn't breathe," said Valerie Rodriguez, a friend of one of the victims.
When Rodriguez opened her eyes, she saw her best friend surrounded by flames and begging for help. "She was trying to get out. She wanted me to help her and she just kept yelling while holding her baby in her hands but we couldn't get her out," said Rodriguez.
Investigators blame faulty wiring for sparking the blaze.
Rodolfo was a junior at Chaparral High School. Friday, students at the school remembered and honored Rodolfo, who was also a soccer player at the school.
"He will be playing soccer in heaven with all the angels," said Rodolfo's coach Jose Luis Diosdado.
For many who knew Rodolfo here on earth, the pain of the tragedy is sill fresh. "The last time I saw him, he said: 'I'll see you tomorrow coach.' But tomorrow never came."