Toddler dies after running into his burning home to save his puppy

A 23-month-old boy died after running into his burning home to try to save his puppy while his parents were trying to put out the flames and call for help, Gentry Fire Chief Vester Cripps confirmed to the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Kurtis and Caitlin Sharp lost everything Saturday when their Arkansas home went up in flames, including, most tragically, their son. The couple and their children were not inside when the fire started, but amid the chaos of trying to extinguish it, they lost track of their son, Loki Nicholi Mason.

Loki had run back inside to try to save their beloved family puppy. The toddler, unfortunately, wasn't able to save the puppy and got trapped by the blaze. His body was later discovered by firefighters, according to Cripps.

The cause of the fire is believed to be electrical, but the investigation is ongoing by the Gentry Fire Department, Cripps said.

Kurtis spoke out on Facebook to express the family's heartbreak and share details of Loki's funeral arrangements.

"Fly high baby boy [you] are extremely missed and loved," he wrote of his son on Facebook. "We know [you're] home and it kills us to see [you] have to go so soon. But mommy and daddy and all [your] siblings and family love [you] dearly."

Kurtis also shared that the viewing for Loki will be on Friday in Siloam Springs, Ark., and his funeral will be on Saturday. The family is requesting that rather than wearing all black, those attending "mix it up" and wear Loki's favorite colors: red, white and black.

"We don't want it to be any more depressing than it's already gonna be," Kurtis said.

Following the tragic loss of their son and home, friends and family have set up fundraisers to help pay for funeral costs and rebuilding their lives in a new home.

"Not only did they lose their belongings but also a precious child. We need all the donations we can get," a Facebook fundraiser with over $8,500 raised called Sharp Family Restoration reads. "The last thing we want the family to worry about during this very difficult time is money."

A GoFundMe campaign for Loki's funeral expenses was also established and has raised over half of its $2,500 goal.