Parents Hold Vigil in Memory of 12-Year-Old Jacob Watts

Jasper, TN (WDEF) – Dozens gathered at Jasper Middle School tonight for a vigil honoring the life of 12-year-old Jacob Watts, who lost his life in an early morning house fire after being trapped in his basement.

"He was the boy that would make you laugh if you were having a blue day, and just make you have fun for the day," said 11-year-old Michael Showalter, one of Watts’ fellow classmates.

Members of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department announced the tragic news to the students of Jasper Middle School during an assembly Thursday afternoon, and tonight, they were each given the chance to say their farewells and pray.

"I cried a lot, and I was very sad," said another classmate, 12-year-old Ryan Sneed, "I wish he was still here. I love him, and he was my best friend."

A close friend of the family says the sheriff’s department is collecting items such as coats, blankets and even Christmas presents to donate to the family members who survived the fire; including Watts’ mother, and two young siblings.