Andrea Cortes loved nothing more than being an aunt to her nieces, 11-year-old Elli, 7-year-old Adilynn, 5-year-old Emma and 2-year-old Anniston.
Andy Cortes
But the Nebraska college student’s “whole life fell apart” in October 2016 when her four nieces, along with their parents—Andy’s sister, Michelle Speer, and brother-in-law, Mike Speer—died in a house fire just yards away from Andy’s window.
Andy Cortes
While living with her sister’s family on their farm last fall, Andy was staying in a cottage house behind the garage.
On the night of October 19, the 24-year-old looked out her window to see her sister’s house completely engulfed in flames.
“Nobody ever realizes that something like this could happen to them,” Andy says, recalling the moments when she dialed 911 and made every attempt to get inside the house to save her family. The fire’s thick smoke made it impossible for her to do anything.
All six of the Speer family members reportedly died of smoke inhalation.
Andy Cortes
Andy says life hasn’t been the same ever since.
“Our family has always been super close. My sister was my best friend and my rock, and she and Mike allowed me to be a part of raising my nieces—I had a special bond with each of them.”
Grieving the loss of each family member has proven to be understandably difficult for Andy. But she’s found some solace in a memorial tattoo she got in her nieces’ honor.
